Lower Tauern South

Persistent weak layer in the heights. Wet-snow avalanches during the day.

Persistent weak layer in the heights. Wet-snow avalanches during the day.

MODERATE avalanche danger above 2200 m in the morning, LOW danger below that altitude. In the afternoon, danger of wet loose-snow avalanches will rise below 2400m. Fractures in weak layers in the lower part of the snowpack mostly possible only be large additional loading. In transitions from shallow to deep snow, one single skier can trigger an avalanche on very steep (>35°) slopes and convex N/E facing slopes above 2200 m. Careful route selection for ascent and descent as well as standard measures for safety (maintaining distances, safe assembly points) reduce the risks. Avalanches can reach medium size. In addition, on steep smooth grassy slopes below 2400 m, naturally triggered glide-snow avalanches are possible at any time of day or night which can reach medium size. In the afternoon as the snowpack moistens, small-to-medium naturally triggered wet loose-snow avalanches are to be expected on steep SE/S/SW facing slopes below 2400 m. The snowpack is softening to an increasing extent, an indication for rising danger.

The snowpack is quite stable. More deeply embedded layers in the old snow (faceted crystals, also melt-freeze crusts) are unlikely to trigger. On steep sunny slopes a melt-freeze crust forms at night which is capable of bearing loads; at high altitudes and on E/W facing slopes the crust is not capable of bearing loads. During the course of the day the snowpack softens particularly on south-facing slopes, becomes wet, the snowpack loses its firmness. On shady slopes there is a mixture of wind-crusts and powder snow.

On Thursday, mostly sunny to start with, then high-altitude cloudbanks will pass through, creating diffuse light conditions, but visibility will remain adequate. As of midday, more cloud cover will move in from the west, reducing visibility. Winds will remain light. At 2000 m: 2-4 degrees; at 3000 m: -3 degrees.

On Friday, overcast skies, temperatures will. drop further. Danger of wet-snow avalanches will diminish.