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-to-medium 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 warmth of the ground and moistness of the snowpack, increased glide-snow activity can be expected.

Fine weather from a high-pressure front. Nocturnal skies will be star-studded and tranquil. In the valleys, early morning fog will form. Sunshine will dominate tomorrow but for a few harmless clouds, outstanding visibility. Light winds at all altitudes. Far too mild for this juncture of the season, zero-degree level at 2500 m. At 2000 m: 3-5 degrees; at 3000 m: -2 degrees.

Avalanche danger levels are not expected to change significantly.