Glockner Group Pasterze

More natural avalanches are possible.

For those venturing off piste a dangerous avalanche situation will be encountered over a wide area.

As a consequence of new snow and a storm force northerly wind, sometimes large wind slabs formed in all aspects. In addition further wind slabs will form. These can be released easily. or in isolated cases naturally, above the tree line. Individual avalanche prone locations are to be found in areas close to the tree line and below the tree line. Avalanches can be triggered in near-surface layers and reach large size in isolated cases. Additionally in some places avalanches can penetrate near-ground layers of the snowpack, especially on west, north and east facing slopes above approximately 2200 m. Remotely triggered avalanches are possible. The danger exists primarily in alpine snow sports terrain.

25 to 50 cm of snow, and even more in some localities, has fallen. The wind was violent in some cases. On Friday the wind will be strong to storm force. The wind will transport the new snow significantly. The new snow and wind slabs are lying on the unfavourable surface of an old snowpack above the tree line. The old snowpack will be weakly bonded, especially on west, north and east facing slopes above approximately 2200 m, and on south facing slopes at elevated altitudes.

Avalanches can as before be released easily. Restraint is advisable on this first sunny day.