Osterhorn Group,Gamsfeld Group

Heed freshly generated snowdrift accumulations

Heed freshly generated snowdrift accumulations

Avalanche danger above the treeline is MODERATE, below that altitude danger is LOW. Fresh snow and freshly generated snowdrifts at high altitude (>2000m) are easily triggered in some places in all aspects. Danger zones are not visible to the naked eye, increase with ascending altitude. As of afternoon, danger zones will increase in frequency and size as the snowfall continues. Isolated naturally triggered avalanches are then possible above 2600 m, most of them medium-sized, but sometimes large if they sweep away more deeply embedded layers of the snowpack. Highly unfavourable conditions for backcountry tours. In addition, on previously bare grassy slopes below 2400 m, the danger of glide-snow avalanches will increase. Isolated small-to-medium sized naturally triggered glide-snow avalanches are possible.

By Thursday midday, 10-15 cm of fresh snow is expected, but evening on Friday overall 20-30 cm. Westerly winds will be strong on Wednesday night, then ease. The old snowpack is stable. Weak layers possible inside the fresh snow. Over the warm, bare ground, fresh snow can glide as an overall mass.

On Thursday, poor conditions!. Visibility reduced from the start. Most precipitation expected in the Tauern and Nockberge, heavy and intensive. Snowfall level will be at 800-1000 m. In the Tauern, brisk to strong northerly winds. At 2000 m: -5 degrees; at 3000 m: -12 degrees.

Further rise in avalanche danger levels due to fresh snow and wind.