Lower Tauern Central

Wet-snow problem due to rain impact

Wet-snow problem due to rain impact

Avalanche danger is moderate below 2400 m, above that altitude danger is low. Due to rain impact, naturally triggered wet loose-snow avalanches (small-to-medium sized) are possible. On steep grass-covered slopes in all aspects which have not yet discharged, glide-snow avalanches reaching medium size are possible at any time of day or night. Avoid zones below glide cracks. In few danger zones (on shady slopes above 2400 m) isolated weak layers in the uppermost part of the snowpack can trigger by large additional loading, slab avalanches can grow to medium size, in isolated cases to large size.

Rain impact is burdening snowpack stability below 2000 m. Above that altitude the fresh snow will be deposited atop moistened old snow and in wind-exposed zones atop hard melt-freeze crusts. The snowpack is thoroughly wet up to 2000 m, on sunny slopes up to 2600 m, wet down to the ground. On shady slopes above 2000 m, the snowpack still has reserves of cold, thus, loose layers can still weaken the snowpack.

Tonight during the nocturnal hours the foehn will collapse. Clouds will become heavy and rainfall/snowfall (5-10 cm) is expected after midnight. It could rain up to 2000 m. On Sunday, heavily reduced visibility due to clouds and fog. Rainfall/snowfall esp. in the morning, snowfall level dropping to 1200 m at midday (5-10 cm expected). The W/NW winds will be moderate to strong (gusts at 30 km/hr). At 2000 m: -1 degree, at 3000 m: -8 degrees.

On Monday, gliding snow will remain the main problem. On sunny, extremely steep terrain, moderate naturally triggered loose-snow activity.