Lower Tauern South

Avalanche prone locations in persistent weak layers are rare but have serious consequences, snowdrift accumulations are prone to triggering at altitude

Avalanche prone locations in persistent weak layers are rare but have serious consequences, snowdrift accumulations are prone to triggering at altitude

The avalanche risk is moderate above 2000 metres and low below that. Above 2200 m, avalanches can be triggered by individuals in wind slabs, in particular in aspects from north-west to north to north-east. Danger areas are easily recognisable, they are located behind terrain edges and in steep gullies and bowls. Avalanches can reach medium size and occasionally become large if they tear through the persistent weak layer. Above 2000 m, in aspects from west to north to east, medium and occasionally large, dry slab avalanches can still be triggered in persistent weak layers in a few places. Although such avalanche prone locations are rare, they are not recognisable in the terrain. Take particular care at the transitions from little to more snow.

Fresh wind slabs can form at high altitudes. Older snowdrift accumulations have often stabilised well up to high altitudes. In places (on shady slopes, in high alpine locations also on sunny slopes), however, they are still prone to triggering. Faceted crystals on a crust serve as a weak layer near the surface below the wind slab. Faceted crystals on crusts can also be found deeper in the snowpack, while the snowpack near the ground consists of angular, cup-shaped crystals. The connection at the transition to the deep snowpack near the ground is still poor. Deep and sunny middle layers are once again bare.

On Sunday, visibility will be good and the sun will shine frequently. In the afternoon, small cumulus clouds may impair visibility somewhat. There will be more clouds and fog directly on the main Alpine ridge and in Lungau, where it may also snow lightly. The wind will blow briskly from south to east. At 2000 metres around -4 degrees, at 3000 metres around -12 degrees.

Gradual settlement of the snowdrift accumulations.