Schladming Tauern South

Fresh snowdrifts creating considerable avalanche danger above the treeline

Fresh snowdrifts creating considerable avalanche danger above the treeline

Avalanche danger above the treeline is considerable, at low altitudes danger is low. Main danger: snowdrift accumulations. Danger zones in extended east-facing terrain, where slab avalanches can be triggered by one person. Windblown exposed surfaces are often hard and icy, acute danger of falling. Below 1800 m in all aspects, small-to-medium naturally triggered avalanches can be expected which can place exposed transportation routes at risk. In addition, isolated gliding snow activity and glide-snow avalanches can’t be excluded. 

In Schladming Tauern and Dachstein region and Totes Gebirge, up to 30 cm of fresh snow was registered accompanied by storm-strength NW winds. Winds have transported the snow above the treeline. Bonding or fresh drifts to the surface is poor with ascending altitude. At lower altitudes the snow from yesterday is settling, forming a melt-freeze crust. The fundament is stable. On sunny slopes the snowpack is moist and glides over smooth ground.

North of the Main Alpine Ridge, the peaks are often shrouded in fog and heavy cloud, visibility is much reduced. Sleet and snowfall will be unusual, snowfall level around 1300 m. The southern mountain ranges are better off, esp. the Murberg mountains as far as Koralpe will have a very sunny day. Winds will slacken off temporarily. At 2000 m: 0 degrees. In the evening, the next perturbance from the north will arrive. Westerly winds will intensify, some showers can be expected, snowfall level dropping to 1000 m by morning.

On Saturday in the northern Upper Styrian regions, residual clouds and rainfall, clouds soon dispersing and sunshine following with cloudless skies. Avalanche danger levels will decrease gradually.