Lower Tauern South

Few danger zones in transitions where the snow is shallow

Few danger zones in transitions where the snow is shallow

Avalanche danger is LOW. Only in very few places can large addtional loading trigger a slab avalanche, most likely in transitions where snow is shallow, into deeper snow, in shady and extremely steep terrain. Then, avalanches can grow to medium size. Most avalanche prone locations occur in W/N/E aspects distant from ridgelines and in steep gullies. In high alpine regions (above 2600m) these rare avalanche prone locations (shallow-snow transitions in very steep terrain) cannot be ruled out on E/S facing slopes as well. Naturally triggered avalanches: extremely isolated small glide-snow avalanches can release. In the afternoon, small moist slides are possible, superficially, both types on extremely steep slopes.

On shady slopes there is old powder atop a compact old snowpack. On sunny slopes the melt-freeze crust in some aspects and gradients (S/SW, 1500-2000m) can bear loads, then softens up during the daytime (the upper 5-10 cm soften). Hidden inside the old snow are soft layers of expansively metamorphosed (faceted) crystals, but are unlikely to trigger except in isolated cases.

On Friday, brisk SE winds (40 km/hr), some clouds, but otherwise sunny. At 2000 m: -2 degrees: at 3000 m: -5 degrees. On Saturday, unimpeded sunshine. At high altitudes, SE winds will intensify somewhat, reach 60 km/hr. At 2000 m: -3 degrees; at 3000 m: -6 degrees.

No significant change is expected.