Lower Tauern South

Isolated danger zones in old snowpack

Isolated danger zones in old snowpack

Avalanche danger is moderate. In the few danger zones, weak layers in the uppermost part of the snowpack above 2300 m can be triggered by 1 person, esp. in transitions from shallow to deep snow and on steep sunny slopes. In isolated cases the releases can be large-sized. The fresh snowdrifts can in many places be triggered as medium-sized avalanches even by 1 person. Danger zones swiftly increase with ascending altitude both in frequency and in size, occur mostly behind discontinuties (also distant from ridges) and in steep gullies and bowls. Danger of naturally triggered glide-snow avalanches below 2600 m persists, larger sized avalanches are possible in high altitude starting zones. Small naturally triggered loose-snow avalanches can’t be excluded in extremely steep terrain due to solar radiation.

Beneath the fresh snow and drifts from last week is a faceted layer clinging to a melt-freeze crust (formed in mid-January) near the surface, esp. on E/S/W facing slopes agove 2300 m. The snowdrifts from last week have settled and are prone to triggering only in isolated cases.Due to good nocturnal outgoing radiation and dry air the snowpack was able to dry out and form a melt-freeze crust up to 1800 m, on south-facing slopes up to over 2000 m, which is capable of bearing loads. Firn snow on south-facing slopes during the daytime. On shady sloes, wind-crusts and sometimes still powder. Due to warmth of the ground and moistness of the snowpack, increased glide-snow activity can be expected.

Star-studded skies on Monday night, dry air. Sunshine will dominate on Tuesday but for a few harmless clouds (esp. in Pinzgau in the afternoon). Light winds and mild, zero-degree level at 2600 m. At 2000 m: 5 degrees; at 3000 m: -1 degree.

Avalanche danger levels are not expected to change significantly.