Ybbstaler Alpen

Pay attention to fresh, prone to triggering wind slab.

Pay attention to fresh, prone to triggering wind slab.

Above the tree line there is a moderate avalanche risk (level 2). The soft new fallen snow was transported by strong westerly to north-westerly winds and fresh snowdrift accumulations formed, especially in the north, east and south aspects. Adjacent to ridgelines and in gullies and bowls, drift snow packs can be triggered as slab avalanches in some places by individual winter sports enthusiasts. Occasional avalanches are also possible in forest aisles. There is still a persistent weak layer problem on shady slopes at high altitudes. Avalanches can occasionally tear through angular weak layers and reach medium size.

Above an altitude of around 1000 metres, another 10 to 20 cm of new fallen snow has been brought in by strong north-westerly winds. The fresh drift snow packs have deposited on decomposed snow or older drift snow layers and are often prone to triggering. Underneath, the old snowpack is unfavourably structured in places with crusts and faceted crystals. There are weak layers both at the transitions to the wind slab and within the old snowpack.

There will be a few snow showers on Wednesday night, resulting in around 5 cm of new fallen snow. The snowfall level is in the valleys. The snow showers will subside in the morning. In the morning, the clouds will soften and visibility will improve significantly. In the afternoon, some clouds will pass over the summit and the sun will only appear occasionally. In the morning, there will still be strong winds from the north-west with peak winds of between 30 and 60 km/h in exposed areas. The wind will weaken during the course of the day. The temperature at an altitude of 2000 metres will be between -11 and -8 degrees. The temperature at an altitude of 1500 metres is between -8 and -4 degrees.

A Mediterranean low will approach from the south on Thursday. During the afternoon, it will start to snow above around 1000 metres. During the night to Friday, it may snow heavily down to the valleys. Around 10 cm of new fallen snow will accumulate. The avalanche risk remains moderate in the Ybbstal Alps above the tree line.