Lower Tauern South

Heed fresh snowdrifts

Heed fresh snowdrifts

Avalanche danger above 2000m is CONSIDERABLE, below that altitude danger is MODERATE. Fresh snowdrift accumulations are the main danger. Most danger zones are on N/E facing slopes behind abrupt drops in the terrain (near to and distant from ridgelines) and in gullies and bowls in all aspects. Frequency of avalanche prone locations increases with ascending altitude. Generally large additional loading is required to release a small-to-medium slab avalanche or else in extremely steep terrain. Naturally triggered small loose-snow and isolated glide-snow avalanches are possible in extremely steep terrain.

The old snowpack is thoroughly wet up to 2000m, insofar as it still exists. On Sunday night, about 15 cm of fresh snow is anticipated. On Tuesday morning, further snowfall (15 cm). Bonding of fresh snow to old snowpack is generally good. Potential fracture points for slab avalanches are inside the fresh snow on top of which the winds can deposit new drifts.

Visibility often reduced. Persistent snowfall in the morning, in the afternoon with interims and ultimately there will be a bit of sunshine. Strong velocity NW winds, often reaching storm strength. Between Sunday evening and Monday evening, 10-30 cm of fresh fallen snow is expected, most in the northern barrier cloud regions, least in the Nockberge. At 2000 m: temperatures descending during the daytime from -5 to -10 degrees.

On Tuesday, snowdrift conditions will improve. As of Wednesday, rising temperatures, thus, wet-snow avalanches will come to the forefront.