Lower Tauern South

Isolated small dangerous snowdrift patches

Isolated small dangerous snowdrift patches

Avalanche danger above 2200m is MODERATE, below that altitude danger is LOW. Fresh, small snowdrift accumulations can trigger on very steep (>35°) N/E facing slopes above 2000 m. Danger zones occur in gullies, bowls and behind abrupt discontinuities in the terrain. They are not always visible to the naked eye in the diffuse light conditions.

Small and isolated medium-sized snowdrift accumulations lie deposited atop a loose old snowpack surface (faceted crystals, surface hoar) and are prone to triggering in isolated cases, as has been confirmed by many reports. Weak layers deeply embedded inside the snowpack (Tauern, high alpine regions) are well blanketed and unlikely to trigger. Up to 2300m the snowpack was moistened in all aspects on Thursday, on sunny slopes higher still. During the night, a superficial melt-freeze crust will form. Weather on Friday will moisten the snowpack up to high altitudes.

On Friday cloud cover will soon move in, visibility will become more diffuse. At midday a few rain and snow showers (snowfall level at 1500m). Limited visibility for a brief spell, then clouds will disperse, but more showers will arrive in late afternoon. Winds will be light to moderate from S/W, in evening in the Northern Alps strong-to-stormy westerly winds will arise. At 2000 m: 0 degrees; at 3000 m: -7 degrees.

Strong-to-stormy NW winds starting Friday night, temperatures dropping significantly, a bit of fresh snow on Saturday. No significant changer in avalanche danger levels is expected.