Lower Tauern South

Increasing wet-snow activity during daytime plus near-surface persistent weak layer at high altitudes

Increasing wet-snow activity during daytime plus near-surface persistent weak layer at high altitudes

Avalanche danger in morning above 2200 m is moderate, below that altitude danger is low. As of late morning, danger at all altitdues rises to MODERATE. Due to solar radiation, increasing wet-snow activity is expected during the daytime. Beginning on extremely steep slopes (>40°) in southern and eastern aspects, it will then spread to all aspects, releases small-to-medium. also triggerable by 1 person. Above 2200 m, near-surface weak layers can trigger a slab by 1 person, esp. on very steep slopes (>35°) on W/N/NE facing slopes, releases medium-sized. Below 2600 m where the snow is sufficient, naturally triggered glide-snow avalanches can be expected on steep slopes, particularly where the recent fresh snow fell on bare ground. Avoid zones below glide cracks.

Solar radiation makes the snowpack wet, it loses its firmness. In transitions from old snowpack to fresh snow are faceted layers above 2200 m near crusts which are potential weak layers for slab avalanches. On steep rocky slopes which have again been snow on and grassy slopes, the snowpack is wet down to the ground and can glide away. Up to 2300 m on south facing slopes a melt-freeze crust will form on Saturday night which is capable of bearing loads, then turning to firn in daytime. On north-facing slopes, breakable crusts can be expected up to 2400 m.

Friday night, skies will be clear except in southern regions, only scattered clouds at high altitudes. On Saturday frequent sunshine, good visibility, convective cloud build-up in the northern ranges. Along the Tauern and in the Nockberge, low lying clouds will accumulate. Winds light to moderate from the south. in the Tauern strong southerly foehn wind (80 km/hr). At 2000 m: 0 to 3 degrees; at 3000m: -5 to -2 degrees. During the night, cloudbanks will move in from the south, the foehn will slacken off somewhat.

Classic springtime situation will continue. The persistent weak layer will recede only slowly.