Lower Tauern South

Backcounry tours demand a defensive route selection

Backcounry tours demand a defensive route selection

Avalanche danger above 2000m is considerable, below that altitude danger is moderate. Slab avalanches can be triggered by minimum additional loading and grow to medium size. Esp. on W/N/E-facing slopes above 2200m, avalanches can fracture down to more deeply embedded layers of the snowpack and grow to large size. On extremely steep slopes, naturally trigger avalanches of medium size are expected due to daytime warming and solar radiation. On steep grass-covered slopes, medium-sized glide-snow avalanches are possible.

Since Friday evening 70-120cm of fresh snow has been registered at high altitudes. Due to daytime warming the snowpack is rapidly settling. Inside the fresh snow and snowdrifts there are soft layers of loose snow or graupel. In the lower and middle parts of the snowpack above 2200m there are weak layers of faceted crystals which are embedded between crusts, esp on W/S/E facing slopes above 2400m. Below 2000m the old snow is moist. Over ground which previously was bare of snow the fresh fallen snow can glide away as a glide-snow avalanche.

During the nocturnal hours, snow showers will taper off. On Wednesday, residual clouds and high fog will disperse in the morning, sunshine will follow, with good visibility. Moderate easterly winds will prevail, brisker on the northern rim of the Alps. At 2000m: -4 to 0 degrees; at 3000m. -7 degrees.

As the snow settles the trigger-sensitivity of weak layers of fresh snow and drifts will gradually diminish, wet-snow problems will increase