Lower Tauern South

Few danger zones for dry slab avalanches. Wet-snow avalanches in the afternoon.

Few danger zones for dry slab avalanches. Wet-snow avalanches in the afternoon.

LOW avalanche danger in the morning, MODERATE above 2600m in the afternoon. Fractures in weak layers in lower part of snowpack can in isolated cases be triggered by large additional loading. Transitions from shallow to deep snow are unfavourable on very steep (>35°) N/E facing slopes above 2200 m. Avalanches can reach medium size. In addition, on steep smooth grassy slopes below 2000 m, naturally triggered glide-snow avalanches are possible at any time of day or night which can reach medium size. Pass through terrain below glide cracks as quickly as possible. Due to higher daytime termperatures, likelihood of mostly small wet loose-snow avalanches will rise somewhat. A soft, weak snowpack is indicative of rising danger.

The snowpack is quite stable. More deeply embedded layers in the old snow (faceted crystals, also melt-freeze crusts) are unlikely to trigger. Strong westerly winds are not transporting much loose snow. Small snowdrift patches lie deposited atop a favourable snowpack surface. On sunny slopes, a melt-freeze crust can form at night which is capable of bearing loads. Due to higher daytime temperatures the snowpack softens up and thereby loses its firmness. On shady slopes, a wind crust is usually evident, on leeward slopes there is still settled powder.

On Tuesday, sunshine and good visibility. Winds will be light to moderate. At high altitudes in the Tauern regoins, NW winds can reach 60 km/hr at midday. At 2000 m: +3 degrees; at 3000 m: -2 degrees.

No significant change is expected in avalanche danger levels.