Mürztal Alps

Generally low danger but caution urged towards isolated naturally triggered glide-snow avalanches + snowdrift patches

Generally low danger but caution urged towards isolated naturally triggered glide-snow avalanches + snowdrift patches

Generally low danger, but isolated naturally-triggered glide-snow avalanches cannot be excluded. Danger zones: steep grassy slopes, hillsides, forest clearances. Avoid glide cracks. New snowdrift accumulations have formed, danger zones occur above the timberline esp. on steep east-facing slopes behind discontinuities, and can be triggered by one person, releasing as a small slab avalanche. Acute danger of falling. Since New Year’s Day fresh snowdrift accumulations have continually been generated. Danger zones occur above the timberline esp. in extended east-facing aspects behind discontinuities in terrain transitions. In encrusted or icy steep terrain, acute danger of falling. 

The old snowpack is compact, no marked weak layers, riddled with water seepage channels. The snowpack is gliding downhill over smooth ground. Some fresh snowfall and drifts esp. on east-facing slopes, poorly bonded with the encrusted old snowpack surface.

On Friday a foehn-like SW airstream will form in high-altitude layers. After a pleasant morning it will arrive but remain temporarily free of precipitation. At 2000 m in northern Upper Styria: -2 degrees, at 1500 m: +1 degree. On the southern flank of the Alps, about 3 degrees milder. Moderate to brisk winds, strong gusts in the Koralpe region. By evening, initial precipitation will strike the southern barrier cloud regions, e.g. Turrach. On Saturday a low over the Gulf of Genua will bring rain and snow our way. On Sunday, very cold arctic air masses will reach us.

Avalanche danger levels are not expected to change significantly, low danger continues.