Weisseck, Muhr Valley

Small trigger-sensitive snowdrift accumulations

Small trigger-sensitive snowdrift accumulations

Avalanche danger is still LOW. Fresh snowdrift accumulations can be triggered in some places. Danger zones are located mostly in wind-protected N/E-facing gullies and bowls, also distant from ridgelines. The drifts are small, easy to recognize. Caution is urged particularly in terrain where it is possible to take a fall. Weak layers in the old snow can be triggered in isolated cases, i.e. superficially release a freshly formed slab which then fractures down to a more deeply embedded layer. This applies particularly to wind-protected zones, areas at the foot of rock walls, and wind-protected bowls in northern aspects (NE-N-NW) above 2500 m. Avalanches which release rarely attain medium size.

The snowpack at high altitudes shows pronounced effects of wind, e.g. hard-as-iron or melt-freeze crusts alternating with loose snow. Fresh drifts are deposited on N/E gully slopes atop soft layers, often prone to triggering in steep terrain. Larger cohesive snowpack surfaces are limited to leeward bowls. Above 2500 m the layering is unfavourable due to a weak fundament with soft, faceted crystals and depth hoar. This applies particularly to wind-protected terrain. Snow depths are below average. Below 1800 m there is hardly any snow on the ground.

On Sunday, southerly foehn wind will intensify, particularly in the Tauern region during the afternoon (up to 80 km/hr). Elsewhere sunshine and clouds will alternate places. Particularly in the latter part of the day, cloud cover will get heavier, visibility deteriorate. On the Main Alpine Ridge, a bit of initial snowfall. At 2000 m: between -2 and +1 degree, at 3000 m at -4 degrees.

On Sunday night, precipitation will set in. By Monday midday, 10-15 cm of fresh snow is expected, accompanied by strong W/NW winds. Fresh snow and freshly generated snowdrifts will be deposited on top of a weak old snowpack surface. Avalanche danger will increase.