Lower Tauern South

Fresh wind slab snow overlays persistent weak layer problem

Fresh wind slab snow overlays persistent weak layer problem

The avalanche risk is moderate above the tree line and low below. Especially in the sectors from north-west to north to south-east, slab avalanches can be triggered by individuals in some places. Avalanches can tear through the persistent weak layer and thus become medium sized. Some avalanche prone locations are difficult to recognise and require a defensive choice of route. Take particular care near transitions from little to more snow and in the snow-covered entrance areas to steep gullies.

New and windslab snow cover a very different surface: in exposed areas it is marked by the wind and is often crusty and hard. On shady slopes protected from the wind above around 1500 m, surface hoar is also covered in some cases. In the persistent weak layers below, bonded snow overlays soft, angular layers. Fractures occur either in the angular layer near the surface or around the crust that forms the transition to the completely built-up old snowpack. In general, areas with little snow alternate with sometimes considerable snowdrift accumulations in a confined space with overall snow depths that are well below average.

In the evening and during the night, stormy southerly foehn winds of 60 to 80 km/h will blow. Clouds gather and after midnight there is unproductive precipitation. During the day, clouds will predominate and visibility will often be limited. At 2000 metres it will be around -2 degrees, at 3000 metres -7 degrees. The Föhn wind will still be blowing at 50 to 70 km/h in the morning, but will then ease noticeably.

Little change - combined persistent weak layer problem.