Lower Tauern North

Snowdrift accumulations easily triggered

Snowdrift accumulations easily triggered

Danger above the treeline is CONSIDERABLE (3), below that altitude danger is MODERATE. Main problem: freshly generated snowdrifts, triggerable in steep terrain by one sole person, releasing medium-to-large sized avalanches. Such danger zones occur mostly on NE/E/S facing slopes, steep ridgeline slopes and in gullies. There are also danger zones (without wind impact) on steep slopes in other aspects where triggering requires genearlly greater loading (a fall, stomping, etc.). On extremely steep slopes up to about 2400 m, some naturally triggered small-to-medium glide-snow avalanches are possible. In high alpine starting zones, avalanches can develop a powder cloud.

The large amounts of fresh snow from the weekend have settled, sink-in depths are still an impressive 40-70 cm at high altitudes. The fresh snow was transported by strong W/NW winds in exposed ridgeline zones; at the beginning of the week, also southerly foehn wind can generate thin drifts. These drifted masses lie deposited atop cold, loose snow and are prone to triggering. Also insie the latest batch of fresh snow and at melt-freeze crusts inside the old snow there are weak layers which in case of large additional loading can serve as secondary fracture surfaces. Below 2400 m, the snowpack is gliding over the smooth ground.

Skies on Sunday night will be clear and star-studded. On the snowpack surface, hoar can form. On Monday, generally adequate visibility. Heavy clouds will create diffuse light conditions but the peaks will remain in the clear. It will remain dry. In the Tauern (apart from Main Ridge) strong southerly winds will be blowing (50 km/hr), in the other mountain ranges the southerly wind will remain moderate to strong (30 km/hr). Temperatures will rise. At midday in the northern regions: -2 degrees at 2000m, in the south -8 degrees; at 3000 m: -8 degrees. On Tuesday, adequate visibility in the morning, a bit of sunshine. In the afternoon, reduced visibility due to fog and snow showers. Only a small amount of fresh snow is anticipated. The snowfall level will temporarily ascend to 1000m, then descend again. Southerly winds will slacken off rapidly, winds will be no disturbance. Temperatures will recede somewhat. At 2000 m, from -2 to -6 degrees; at 3000 m, -9 degrees.

Proneness to triggering will decrease, but snowdrift accumulations should be consequently avoided.