Lower Tauern South

Snowdrifts are the main problem. Slab avalanches in the snowdrifts can fracture in ground-level layers

Snowdrifts are the main problem. Slab avalanches in the snowdrifts can fracture in ground-level layers

Avalanche danger above the treeline is considerable, below that altitude danger is low. Avalanche danger will increase during the daytime, particularly from the west. Medium sized slab avalanches from snowdrifts can be triggered even by minimum additional loading above the greeline, particularly in gullies and bowls and behind protruberances in the landscape in all aspects. Above 2200m avalanches can be triggered from more deeply embedded layers inside the snowpack and often grow to large size. Settling noises and glide-craceks are indicators of danger. Isolated naturally triggered avalanches are possible at high altitudes. Snowdrift accumulations are difficult to recognize due to poor visibility. Zones below glide cracks should be circumvented.

An additional 10-20cm of snowfall will be added to what has already fallen. The fresh snow was transported far-reachingly. Exposed ridges and crests are windblown, gullies and bowls are filled to the brim. Inside the fresh and older drifts there are weak near-surface layers (graupel, decomposed snow). The bonding to the old snow at low and intermediate altitudes is generally good. Above 2000m the snowdrifts often lie atop faceted crystals near crusts. On wind-protected shady slopes above the trereline there is often surface hoar. Above 2200m the snowpack layering is unfavorable, with several weak layers of faceted crystals. The entire snowpack can glide over steep rock plates or grassy slopes.

During the night, light to moderately strong snowfall is anticipated, most falling in the Northern Alps, Kitzbühel Alps and western Hohe Tauern, where 20cm can fall within 12 hours. Strong-to-stormy W/N winds (northern foehn wind in the Lungau) will prevail. On Tuesday, visibililty severely limited due to clouds, fog and snowfall. In the Northern Alps, an additional 20cm of fresh snow is expected, elsewhere 10cm. The NW winds will be blowing at brisk to storm strength, reaching peaks of over 100 km/hr on the Main Alpine Ridge. At 2000m: -9 degrrees; at 3000m: -16 degrees.

As Wednesday approaches, avalanche danger levels will not increase significantly.