Wölz Tauern South

Not yet settled snowdrifts at high altitudes, glide-snow avalanches in steep terrain

Not yet settled snowdrifts at high altitudes, glide-snow avalanches in steep terrain

Avalanche danger is moderate. At high altitudes in extended east facing terrain, small snowdrift accumulations which in places can be triggered by 1 person, releases reaching medium-to-large size. On steep slopes in all aspects, naturally triggered glide-snow and wet-snow avalanches can be expected. Open glide cracks are indicators of imminent danger.

At high altitudes, fresh snow (max. 25 cm between Dachstein and Totes Gebirge) have generated ridgeline snowdrift accumulations with moderate W/NW winds, often poorly bonded with the snowpack surface and softer layers of fresh snow (warm/cold problem). On north-facing slopes fewer snowdrifts, the old snowpack surfaces are rougher. Weak layers will dissolve with the higher temperatures. Windblown slopes and crests are often hard or icy, dangerous due to risks of falling. At intermediate and lower altitudes the snowpack is very moist-to-wet due to rain impact, can glide over smooth ground.

A weakening NW airstream will bring milder air masses to the Eastern Alps. On Thursday, some residual clouds of the receding warm front, longest from Hochschwab to Rax. From the west, pleasant conditions in the afternoon. At 2000 m: +3 degrees; at 1500 m: +7 degrees. The W/NW winds will be moderate in the morning, later on only light. On Friday, very mild air masses will reach us, everywhere sunny, light W/SW winds. At 2000 m at midday: +8 degrees.

As temperatures rise, the snowdrift problem will recede. The gliding snow problem will persist.