Wind slab
- Above treeline
Little new fallen snow.
Winds from various directions have led to fresh drifts in all aspects over the past few days. The east and south sectors are particularly affected. Weak layers are possible in the transition to persistent weak layers. The snow base, fundament is weakened by faceted crystals and floating snow. At lower elevations, the snow becomes moist and loses firmness. On steep meadow slopes, the snow can begin to glide.
Beware of wind slabs above the tree line! Spontaneous wet snow slides possible at lower altitudes.
The avalanche risk is considerable above the tree line and low below. Avalanche prone locations are snow-covered slopes of all aspects, in particular in the east and south sectors. Take particular care behind terrain edges and in entrances to gullies and bowls. Medium-sized slab avalanches can be triggered by individuals in many places. At lower elevations, soft wet snow avalanches and spontaneous gliding avalanches may occur.
The night into Sunday will bring snow mainly from the main ridge northwards, with only isolated showers expected to the south. The unsettled mountain weather will continue on Sunday. Overall, however, dry conditions will prevail and the sun will appear at times. The temperature at 2000 metres will rise from -3 to +3 degrees during the daytime changes. The wind will blow strongly from the northwest and increase during the day changes.
The unsettled, rainy and mild north-westerly weather conditions continue at the start of the week. The drifting snow problem is easing.
Bulletin data: Avalanche Warning Service Styria (CC BY 4.0)