Mürzsteg Alps

Moderate avalanche danger above the treeline - wind slab problem.

Moderate avalanche danger above the treeline - wind slab problem.

The avalanche is above the treeline moderate and below that low. Danger spots are formed due to fresh snowdrift are found in gullies and bowls especially in the expositions east till south. They can be triggered by small individuals as slab avalanches. Spontaneous gliding-snow avalanches cannot be ruled out.

Fresh snowdrift deposits are placed on top of an old snow cover with which it is often sufficiently bonded. Soft layers within the fresh cover or in shady slopes within the old snow near the surface can function as weak layers. Due to strong northwesterly wind influence increasing snowdrift deposits in gullies and bowls are to expect. Wetness from the ground can lead to a loss of friction of the snowcover in steep smooth slopes.

Sunday night a striking Tropospheric trough is coming. The Styrian mountains are cloudy with stormy northwesterly winds and snow. The snowline is between 1.000 and 1.200 m. The focus of precipitation is Niedere Tauern with 30-40 cm new snow. Northern Foehn Einds are causing partially clear-ups in the south but also clouds, fog and few showers, eventually sleet showers. Temperatures in 2.000 m at noon are around -6 degrees.

From Tuesday on the influence of high-pressure system is noticable. Low clouds are persistent, but only few showers ar possible. In the Nordstau area maximum 10 cm new snow - temperatures are rising slowly. The wind slab problem is decreasing with the setteling of the snow cover. The gliding snow problem stays.