Lower Tauern Central

Caution: snowdrift accumulations also distant from ridgelines

Caution: snowdrift accumulations also distant from ridgelines

Avalanche danger above 2000m is MODERATE, below that altitude danger is low. Main danger: snowdrifts. On Tuesday, southerly winds generated fresh snowdrift accumulations also distant from ridgelines on north-facing slopes which are prone to triggering. Slabs can grow to medium size. In isolated cases, small-to-medium avalanches can be triggered inside the fresh snow (graupel) or in the melt-freeze crust of the old snow. As temperatures rise during the day, small naturally triggered loose-snow avalanches are likely in extremely steep terrain. Also isolated glide-snow avalanches are possible.

The snowdrift accumulations lie deposited atop a loose, soft snowpack which is also a weak layer. Bonding of fresh snow to the old snowpack is generally adequate. The snowpack has settled somewhat in the higher temperatures. On south-facing slopes a thin melt-freeze crust formed overnight which will soften up during the daytime hours. Up to intermediate altitudes the snowpack is often thoroughly wet.

Some dense cloudbanks will pass through the Main Alpine Ridge. Winds will be light to moderate from the east. At 2000 m: -1 degree; at 3000 m: -7 degrees.

Avalanche danger will recede as the snowpack settles.