Villach Alps

Caution: persistent weak layer

Caution: persistent weak layer

The older snowdrifts from the last few days now blanket a weak old snowpack surface above 1800m on W/N/SE facing slopes: easily triggered by one single skier. Gullies and bowls are unfavorable, since hard layers lie deposited atop weakly consolidated old snow. These danger zones occur rather seldom, and are easily recognized by practiced backcountry winter sports enthusiasts. Avalanches are usually small-sized. Apart from the risk of being buried in snow masses, you also need to take the dangers of being swept along and forced to take a fall into consideration.

Snowdrift accumulations cover a weak old snowpack surface on shady slopes above 1800m. The old snowpack is weak, with faceted crystals. Solar radiation and higher temperatures led to a gradual softening of the snowpack during the course of the day, particularly on sunny slopes. During the night a melt-freeze crust forms on the surface.

On Saturday, a few thin clouds will pass through at high altitudes but not hamper the sunshine. Mostly no winds, even in exposed terrain the winds will be light. At 1000m: up to +8 degrees on sunny slopes. At 2000m: +5 degrees.

Avalanche danger levels are not expected to change significantly.