Lower Tauern South

Trigger-sensitive snowdrift masses at high altitude

Trigger-sensitive snowdrift masses at high altitude

Avalanche danger above 2200 m is MODERATE, below that altitude danger is LOW. As a result of fresh fallen snow and NW winds, small but trigger-sensitive snowdrift accumulations have been generated. These can be triggered even by one sole winter sports enthusiast in some places and reach medium size, particularly in the regions where snowfall has been heaviest. The danger zones are located particularly in extended east-facing terrain, especially in ridgeline gullies and bowls. Trigger-sensitivity and size of the danger zones increase with ascending altitude. On steep sunny grass-covered slopes, isolated, mostly small glide-snow avalanches are possible. In addition, as a result of solar radiation, small loose-snow avalanches are possible on steep sunny slopes.

Due to a cold front Wednesday night, moderate snowfall amid moderate-to-strong NW winds will bring 5-10 cm of fresh snow over widespread areas. Fresh, trigger-sensitive snowdrifts will accumulate, particularly in wind-protected terrain where they will be deposited atop soft layers. Older snowdrifts lie deposited on weak old snowpack layers above 2200 m, particularly in wind-protected shady gullies and bowls. Below 1800 m, on sunny slopes further up, the snow fell on bare ground, often on warm ground. In these plaxces, heed is required towards a gliding away of the entire snowpack.

On Thursday residual clouds will persist and hamper visibility. Except for that, sunshine will soon prevail. Starting at midday from the northwest, cloud cover will move in, and precipitation will start: rainfall up to 1200 m, snowfall above that altitude. Winds will be brisk from SW directions. At 2000 m: -2 degrees; at 3000 m: -8 degrees.

The snowpack is settling and consolidating. Avalanche danger will slowly recede.