Lower Tauern South

Persistent weak layer in the heights. Wet-snow avalanches during the day.

Persistent weak layer in the heights. Wet-snow avalanches during the day.

MODERATE avalanche danger above 2200 m, LOW danger below that altitude. In the afternoon, danger of wet loose-snow avalanches will rise below 2600m. Fractures in weak layers in the lower part of the snowpack mostly possible only be large additional loading. In transitions from shallow to deep snow, one single skier can trigger an avalanche on very steep (>35°) slopes and convex N/E facing slopes above 2200 m. Careful route selection for ascent and descent as well as standard measures for safety (maintaining distances, safe assembly points) reduce the risks. Avalanches can reach medium size. In addition, on steep smooth grassy slopes below 2400 m, naturally triggered glide-snow avalanches are possible at any time of day or night which can reach medium size. Avoid areas below glide cracks. In the afternoon as the snowpack moistens, small-to-medium naturally triggered wet loose-snow avalanches are to be expected on steep SE/S/SW facing slopes below 2600 m. The danger of warm glide-snow avalanches at intermediate altitudes (1000-2000m) is increasing. The snowpack is softening to an increasing extent, an indication for rising danger.

Due to mild temperatures the snowdrift accumulations have settled and consolidated. More deeply embedded weak layers (faceted crystals next to melt-freeze crusts) are unlike to trigger. On steep sunny slopes a melt-freeze crust forms at night which is capable of bearing loads; at high altitudes and on E/W facing slopes the crust is not capable of bearing loads. During the course of the day the snowpack softens particularly on south-facing slopes, becomes wet, the snowpack loses its firmness. On shady slopes there is a mixture of wind-crusts and powder snow.

On Wednesday, sunshine above the fogbanks below often cloudless skies. In the Northern Alps, fog will reach up to 800m, above that altitude there is sunshine. Light winds. At 2000 m: 6-7 degrees; at 3000 m: 0 degrees.

No significant change in avalanche danger is expected on Thursday. Temperatures will recede somewhat.