Ybbstaler Alpen

Low avalanche danger, fresh wind slab in the high altitudes

Low avalanche danger, fresh wind slab in the high altitudes

The avalanche risk is low. Fresh, thin pillows of wind drifted snow lie in the aspects from north to east, particularly in terrain adjacent to ridgelines, in the entrance areas of steep gullies and bowls and behind terrain edges. Individual winter sports enthusiasts can trigger small slab avalanches here. In addition, there is still a persistent weak layer problem on shady slopes at high altitudes. Avalanches that are triggered in the wind slab can occasionally tear through the persistent weak layer, but remain small. In general, the risk of entrainment, falling and injury outweighs the risk of burial. Hardness or icy surfaces may currently be covered by little snow and therefore difficult to recognise.

There is still little snow. A few centimetres of new or wind slab snow is lying on a snow surface that is wet or crusted can form right up to the summit areas. In the higher elevations, however, angular snow crystals are still weakening the stability on shady slopes.

Overnight it snows heavily with a snowfall level of 1200 - 1400 metres. On Friday, the mountains and peaks will still be covered in thick clouds at first and the last snow showers will fall in the Ybbstal Alps. During the morning, the cloud cover will soften and then there will be a mix of sunshine and passing clouds. The high wind is blowing briskly from the west. At 1500 metres above sea level, temperatures will be around 0 degrees at midday.

No change in avalanche danger for the time being. On Saturday, clouds will predominate from the morning and the first light precipitation will set in from midday. The precipitation will only intensify towards the evening.