Lower Tauern South

Current avalanche situation demands high restraint in outlying terrain from winter sports enthusiasts

Snowdrift accumulations deposited atop a weak old snowpack surface

Avalanche danger levels are considerable, below that altitude danger is low. Avalanches of large size can be triggered even by minimum additional loading above the treeline, near gullies and bowls in all aspects. Above 2200m, avalanches can trigger in more deeply embedded weak layers inside the snowpack and in isolated cases grow to large size. Due to solar radiation, naturally triggered generally small-sized loose-snow avalanches can be expected to trigger on extremely steep sunny slope.

The fresh snow has been transported far-reachingly. Exposed ridges and crests are windblown, gullies and bowls are filled to the brim even at the forest rims. Inside the fresh and older drifts there are weak near-surface layers. Above 2000m the snowdrifts often lie atop faceted crystals near crusts. On wind-protected shady slopes above the treeline there is often surface hoar. Above 2200m the snowpack layering is unfavorable, with several weak layers of faceted crystals. The entire snowpack can glide over steep rock plates or grassy slopes.

Splendid winter weather will prevail in the mountains, hardly any clouds, only light winds. At high altitudes, very mild: at 2000m -1 to +4 degrees; at 3000m -3 to 0 degrees. The nocturnal hours will enjoy clear, star-studded skies, only light winds. Some high fog could form in isolated spots.

The proneness to triggering of snowdrift accumulations will diminish only gradually. The persistent weak layer will remain.