Lower Tauern South

Fresh snowdrifts from southerly foehn winds

Avalanche danger will increase significantly due to fresh snowfall.

Fresh snowdrifts from southerly foehn winds

Avalanche danger above 2200 m is moderate (Danger Level 2). Fresh snowdrift accumulations above 2200 m are trigger-prone in places, danger zones occur on W/N/E facing slopes, increase with ascending altitude, 1 person can trigger avalanches in some places. Latent danger of glide-snow avalanches persists. Glide-snow avalanches can release at any time of day or night naturally, releases mostly medium, sometimes large. Avoid zones below glide cracks. Due to higher temperatures and diffuse light, naturally triggered loose-snow avalanches can be expected during the course of the day on extremely steep slopes, releases mostly small.

Above 2200 m, fresh and older snowdrift accumulations lie deposited atop still loose old snowpack layers, can be trigger-prone. Below this, the layering is often favorable, on sunny slopes the fresh snow is already moist. On shady slopes at higher altitudes, 10-20 cm of loose snow lies atop a melt-freeze crust. Below 1500 m there is hardly any snow on the ground.

On Thursday it will remain dry, with diffuse light conditions, mild, compact cloudbanks. The foehn will bring bright intervals, esp. in Pinzgau and Pongau. Peaks on Main Alpine Rige often veiled in fog. Winds strong to stormy in the Tauern from S/SW (80-110 km/hr). At 2000 m: temperatures rising from 0 to 4 degrees; at 3000 m from -6 to -3 degrees. Friday: often intensive snowfall, poor visibility all day long, esp. in the Tauern. Fresh snow in the Tauern: 40-60 cm total by Saturday morning, in southern zones up to 50 cm. Winds light to moderate from W/NW, lighter at lower altitudes.