Lower Tauern Central

Fresh-snow situation, avalanche danger increasing to moderate in afternoon

Fresh-snow situation, avalanche danger increasing to moderate in afternoon

Avalanche danger is LOW in morning, despite launch of snowfall. In afternoon, it will rise to MODERATE above 2000 m. The increasing amount of fresh snow (very little in morning, 15-30 cm in afternoon) can lead to small-to-medium loose-snow avalanches in steep terrain in afternoon due to diffuse radiation. In ridgeline terrain above 2000 m, snowdrift accumulations can be generated during the daytime which in high alpine regions can be easily triggered. Even naturally triggered avalanches can grow to medium size.

The snowpack has a firm melt-freeze crust, often smooth and hard. On shady slopes and in high alpine regions there is a dry, thin layer of snow atop of it from last Friday which is riddled with graupel. On Tuesday, another 10-15 cm of fresh snow will be deposited atop that.

On Tuesday, heavy cloud and snowfall will hamper visibility. Snowfall begins during the daytime, heavier in afternoon. Fresh snow: almost nothing in morning, about 10 cm in afternoon to evening. Brisk NW winds. At 2000 m: -4 degrees; at 3000 m: -8 degrees. On Wednesday, heavy residual cloud initially, but dry. Increasing sunshine during the daytime, quite sunny in afternoon. At 2000 m: between -3 and +2 degrees; at 3000 m: -7 degrees.

Numerous small loose-snow/wet-snow slides and small avalanches on steep slopes due to sunshine and warmth on Wednesday. Otherwise favourable conditions.