Lower Tauern South

Danger areas in the wind slab next to the blown-off areas

Danger areas in the wind slab next to the blown-off areas

The avalanche risk is considerable above 2000 m and low below. Slab avalanches can still be triggered in some places by low additional loads (individual winter sports enthusiasts) and can reach medium size. Avalanche prone locations are located in particular in north-west, north to south-east facing steep terrain, adjacent to the ridgeline and area distant from ridgelines, behind terrain edges as well as in gullies and bowls. They increase in size and frequency with altitude. Wind slabs often lie directly next to blown-off areas, are easily recognisable and should be avoided at all costs. Cracks and whumpfing collapsing sounds when walking on the snow cover, snowpack are a sign of danger.

Under the influence of mild air and sunlight, the snow cover, snowpack has settled and become cardboardy up to around 2000 metres. It has at least a thin melt-freeze crust in the morning. At higher altitudes, the wind slab from the weekend is still prone to triggering. The transition to the old snowpack (faceted crystals on/under the crust) usually serves as a weak layer. It consists of layers of faceted crystals, deep rime and melt-freeze crusts; avalanches triggered on the surface can tear through to the ground. The total snow depth is still well below average. Ridges and ridges are often completely blown off.

After an initially slightly cloudy night, an extensive umbrella of clouds moves across the sky and holds back the sun. The peaks remain clear, but the light is often diffuse. From midday onwards it will be increasingly sunny from the west, with the Nockberge and Niedere Tauern remaining the cloudiest for the longest. Still only light winds. It will cool down a little: At 2000 metres it's -1 degree, at 3000 metres -7 degrees.

Directly on the main Tauern ridge with rising southerly winds, partly fresh wind slab problems on the north sides. A slight decrease in danger away from the main ridge.