Lower Tauern Central

Attention: trigger-sensitive snowdrift masses

Attention: trigger-sensitive snowdrift masses

Avalanche danger above 2000 m is MODERATE, below that altitude danger is LOW. The fresh snowdrifts can be triggered even by one sole winter sports enthusiast in some places and reach medium size, particularly in the regions where snowfall has been heaviest. The danger zones are located particularly in extended N/E-facing terrain, especially in ridgeline gullies and bowls. Snowdrifts are located on NW/SE facing slopes, particularly in gullies and bowls. As winds slacken off in late afternoon, the drifts can get covered by snow and become difficult to recognize. On steep sunny grass-covered slopes, isolated, mostly small glide-snow avalanches are possible.

Fresh snowdrift accumulations (possibly containing graupel) are generally small, lie deposited on steep ridgeline slopes atop soft layers. Older drifts lie atop a weak old snowpack surface at high altitudes, particularly in wind-protected shady gullies and bowls on N/E facing slopes. Snowpack analysis shows blanketed surface hoar. The snowpack at high altitudes is heavily wind-impacted and irregular.

Sunday: Clouds will disperse during the morning in Tauern and Nockberge, brisk southerly winds will allow a bit of sunshine. In the afternoon clouds will become denser, shroud the peaks. A cold front will bring intensified westerly to northwesterly winds, temperatures will drop, snow showers bringing all-in-all 10 to 15 cm of fresh snow will set in. At 2000 m: dropping from +4 to -6 degrees; at 3000 m, from -2 to -12 degrees. Monday: The Tauern will be shrouded in clouds from the south, minor snowfall is possible. In the Northern Alps mostly sunshine over midday, good visibility, clouds will move in during the afternoon. At high altitudes the southerly winds will intensify, reach 80 km/hr in the Tauern. At 2000 m, -6 degrees; at 3000 m: -10 degrees.

No initial changes. As fresh snow and winds ensue, avalanche danger levels will increase.