Wölz Tauern South

Very unfavorable backcountry touring conditions. Fresh snowdrifts.

Very unfavorable backcountry touring conditions. Fresh snowdrifts.

Avalanche danger in parts of the Niedere Tauern above the treeline is HIGH. The storm winds are transporting huge amounts of fresh snow. Also in forest lanes and clearances there are snowdrift accumulations. Naturally triggered loose-snow avalanches can release due to higher temperatures. Avalanches can endanger exposed transportation routes. Backcountry ski tourers can trigger a slab avalanche by the weight of one sole person.

In the last 24 hours there has been 20-30 cm of fresh snow registered. In the Niedere Tauern there has been 40-80 cm of fresh snow since the start of this period of precipitation. Potential weak layers are found in the soft layers of the snowpack, Inside the old snow are expansively metamorphosed (faceted) crystals beneath a melt-freeze crust. When a fracture occurs, it can break through the crusts.

Mountain weather conditions will slowly improve. In the morning, particularly north of the Main Alpine Ridge, some snow showers are possible. In the afternoon it will be dry by and large and the clouds will disperse somewhat. Winds will be moderate to brisk from the northwest. At 2000 m at midday_ -3 degrees. Mostly sunny and mild weather is expected on Friday.

The avalanche situation will slowly relax.