Pongau Grass Mountains

Fresh and older snowdrifts

Fresh and older snowdrifts

Avalanche danger depends on wind influence. Above the treeline: CONSIDERABLE, below that altitude MODERATE. Avalanche prone locations are concentrated on leeward ridgeline steep slopes in NW/E/S aspects and in steep gullies. Danger zones rapidly become more frequent with ascending altitude above the treeline. Triggering is especially possible by large additional loading (a group, a fall), and in transitions from shallow to deep snow a triggering is possible even by the weight of one sole person. Small-to-medium sized slab avalanches predominate.Isolated small-sized glide-snow avalanches are possible on steep hillsides.

Winds are ongoingly generating fresh snowdrift accumulations. On Friday, strong southerly winds deposited drifts on noth-facing slopes. On Saturday the snow will be blown to east-facing slopes by northerly winds. Exposed terrain is windblown, dominated by melt-freeze crusts and drifted masses. Snow quality is far better in wind-protected terrain; that is where to enjoy powder snow. The old snowpack is relatively compact, in the classic December backcountry touring regions there are no pronounced or relevant weak layers evident. A potential persistent weak layer is evident on north-facing slopes above 2200 m.

On Saturday the peaks will frequently be shrouded in cloud, visibility often limited by snowfall (10 cm fresh snow). Brisk W/NW winds will be blowing. Temperature at 2000 m: -9 degrees. On Sunday, visibility will improve in the morning, intermittent sunshine expected over the midday hours. Towards evening cloud cover will move in. Winds will remain mostly light. At 2000 m: -9 to -4 degrees.

Little change in the avalanche situation on Sunday.