Venediger Group Central

Heed fresh snow and fresh snowdrifts

Heed fresh snow and fresh snowdrifts

Avalanche danger increases with ascending altitude: above 1500 m MODERATE, above 2400m CONSIDERABLE. In high and high alpine regions the fresh snow and drifts require attentiveness, they are often blanketed and occur esp. on NW/N/E facing slopes both near to and distant from ridgelines, behind abrupt drops in the terrain and in gulies and bowls. A small/medium slab avalanche can be triggered in steep terrain even by one single person. Below 2400m glide-snow avalanches threaten, possible at any time of day or night.

Since mild Thursday with rainfall up to 2800 m, temperatures have incrementally dropped, the snowfall level also descended amid intermittent rainfall and snowfall. The fresh snow is accumulating above 1500m significantly. At high altitudes in the Northern Alps there has been 15-25 cm of fresh snow registered. Bonding of fresh snow to the base deteriorates with ascending altitude. Fresh drifts generated by southerly foehn wind on Friday lie deposited on W/NW facing slopes. The snowpack at intermediate altitudes, if there is one, is thoroughly wet and 0° isotherm.

On Sunday visibility will rapidly deteriorate, in the Northern Alps it will be poor right from the start. Fog, clouds, rain and snowfall will dominate as of midday in the Tauern and Nockberge. Snowfall level will lie at 1000-1600 m and descend somewhat by evening. At high and high alpine altitudes, about 10 cm of fresh snow is expected by evening. At 2000 m: -3 degrees; at 3000 m: -9 degrees. Winds will be NW, reaching 50 km/hr by evening.

On Monday temperatures will drop further. Strong to stormy NW winds. Heed snowdrifts!