Lower Tauern South

Snowdrift problem at high altitude, wet-snow/glide-snow avalanches during the night

Snowdrift problem at high altitude, wet-snow/glide-snow avalanches during the night

Avalanche danger is MODERATE. Above 2200 m fresh snowdrifts being generated by fresh snow and strong westerly winds, deposited on very steep slopes where they can be triggered by winter sports enthusiasts. Likelihood of triggering increases with ascending altitude, releases generally remain small. Caution urged especially in rocky and fall-endangered terrain. In the regions where most fresh snow has fallen, danger zones are more frequent, the risks higher. During Friday night, rainfall up to 2200 m will cause naturally triggered wet-snow and glide-snow avalanches on steep slopes and hillsides in all aspects. The avalanches will remain small, due to the shallowness of the snowpack, occasionally medium sized. As the snowfall level descends in early morning, naturally triggered avalanche activity will decrease.

At high altitudes the snowpack will be able to settle and consolidate due to the higher temperatures since the beginning of the week. Weak layers in the snowpack are isolated on shady slopes in the Tauern. Below 2600 m the sun and warmth are moistening the snowpack. Below 2000 m and on south-facing slopes further up, the snowpack is moist down to the ground. Below 1800 m there is little snow on the ground. On Friday night, rainfall up to 2200 m, on Saturday morning temperatures will recede somewhat. By Saturday midday: 5-15 cm of snow expected, amid strong westerly winds which will transport it. Snowdrifts will be deposited especially on N/E facing slopes atop a loose snowpack surface, but will remain small.

Saturday: clouds in the Tauern will reduce visibility or create diffuse light. Light rainfall/snowfall possible in the morning hours (snowfall above 1600-1900 m). As of midday it will remain largely dry, visibility will improve. Winds will be SW/NW at 40-60 km/hr. At 2000 m: -1 degree, at 3000 m -7 degrees. Sunday: lots of sunshine, residual clouds will recede, visibility will be adequate, winds light, extremely mild. At 2000m: 3-7 degrees, at 3000 m at midday, 0 degrees.

Danger will decrease. With the warm temperatures the snowdrifts will consolidate. On extremely steep (>40°) slopes, solar radiation can unlease small loose-snow slides.