Tennen Mountains, Gosaukamm

Snowdrifts are the main problem. Slab avalanches in the snowdrifts can fracture in ground-level layers

Snowdrifts are the main problem. Slab avalanches in the snowdrifts can fracture in ground-level layers

Avalanche danger above the treeline is considerable, below that altitude danger is low. Slab avalanches of medium size can in some places be triggered from snowdrifts even by minimum additional loading, i.e. the weight of one person, especially in gullies and bowls and behind irregularities in the landscape on NW/N/SE facing slopes. In some places above 2200m they can fracture down to deeper weak layers in the old snow and thereby grow to large size. Settling noises and glide-cracks are indicators of imminent danger. Isolated naturally triggered avalanches are also possible at high altitudes. Snowdrift accumulations will be difficult to recognize in afternoon due to poor visibility.

An additional 10-20cm of snowfall will be added to what has already fallen. The fresh snow was transported far-reachingly. Exposed ridges and crests are windblown, gullies and bowls are filled to the brim. Inside the fresh and older drifts there are weak near-surface layers (graupel, decomposed snow). The bonding to the old snow at low and intermediate altitudes is generally good. Above 2000m the snowdrifts often lie atop faceted crystals near crusts. On wind-protected shady slopes above the trereline there is often surface hoar. Above 2200m the snowpack layering is unfavorable, with several weak layers of faceted crystals. The entire snowpack can glide over steep rock plates or grassy slopes.

During the night, light to moderately strong snowfall is anticipated, most falling in the Northern Alps, Kitzbühel Alps and western Hohe Tauern, where 20cm can fall within 12 hours. Strong-to-stormy W/N winds (northern foehn wind in the Lungau) will prevail. On Tuesday, visibililty severely limited due to clouds, fog and snowfall. In the Northern Alps, an additional 20cm of fresh snow is expected, elsewhere 10cm. The NW winds will be blowing at brisk to storm strength, reaching peaks of over 100 km/hr on the Main Alpine Ridge. At 2000m: -9 degrrees; at 3000m: -16 degrees.

As Wednesday approaches, avalanche danger levels will not increase significantly.