Weisseck, Muhr Valley

High-alpine snowdrift problem, still naturally triggered wet-snow avalanches

High-alpine snowdrift problem, still naturally triggered wet-snow avalanches

Avalanche danger above 1600 m is moderate, below that altitude danger is low. Above 2400 m snowdrifts can be generated and in some places triggered by 1 person. Danger zones occur on NW/N/E facing steep slopes, near ridges, behind discontinuities and in gullies and bowls, releases can reach medium size. Due to rain impact and warmth, danger of naturally triggered loose-snow avalanches will increase as the day unfolds. In steep rocky terrain loose-snow releases can be medium sized. The softening snowpack is an indicator of danger. Glide-snow avalanches of medium size can release at any time of day or night.

Overnight a melt-freeze crust forms in many places, but softens up due to rain impact. Above 2000 m the fresh snow is deposited mostly atop a settled snowpack, on shady slopes above 2400 m atop loose layers. Loose snow is the weak layer beneath fresh drifts which will get thicker during the day. A more deeply embedded weak layer for slab avalanches occurs above 2400 m: faceted crystals near crusts and graupel. Below 2000 m the snowpack has become thoroughly moist repeated times. Gliding snow activity has increased slightly.

Thursday will start with some sunshine and good visibility. In the Pinzgau and Northern Alps clouds will rapidly move in and rain/snow showers will spread. In afternoon, the showers will intensify, visibility deteriorate, snowfall level initially above 2000 m, later the snowfall level will drop a bit lower. Above 2000 m, 5-10 cm of fresh snow is expected by Thursday evening. The W/NW winds will be brisk to strong (up to 60-70 km/hr). At 2000 m: from 3 dropping to 0 degrees; at 3000 m: from -3 to -6 degrees.

Avalanche danger levels are not expected to change significantly.