Weisseck, Muhr Valley

Weak layers in old snow are the main danger

Weak layers in old snow are the main danger

The avalanche danger is moderate above 2400 metres and low below. The main problem is old snow. In the sectors from west to north to east, slab avalanches can be triggered in some places by even a small additional load. Avalanches can break through to deeper weak layers and become medium sized if the snow is thick enough. In west to north to east exposures above 2200 m, small slab avalanches can also be triggered in fresh drift snow. The few danger spots are close to the crest. Below 2800 m, mainly small sliding snow avalanches can occur spontaneously.

The snow surface is often loose on the shaded side. In the upper part of the snowpack, fresh snow that has blown over close to the ridge can form a weak layer. In the middle part of the snowpack, weak layers of angular crystals have formed between the fresh snow packs of the past week. At high altitudes, angular crystals can also be found at the transition to the compact old snow foundation and occasionally near the ground. On the sunny side, the snow cover has settled far up and may have hardened in the morning.

On Tuesday, the sun will mostly shine with good visibility. A moderately strong to brisk southerly wind will initially blow in the high altitudes of the Tauern, easing in the morning, then the wind will be mostly weak to moderately strong everywhere. At 2000 metres the temperature will be around 0 degrees Celsius, at 3000 metres around -7 degrees Celsius.

The problem of old snow remains at altitude.