Pongau Grass Mountains

Weak old snowpack with low snow cover

Weak old snowpack with low snow cover

The avalanche danger is moderate above 2000 metres and low below. Slab avalanches can be triggered in some places by low additional loads and can be small to medium in size. Surface-triggered avalanches can tear through to the ground. Avalanche prone locations are concentrated in north-west to north to east-facing steep terrain. They increase rapidly in size and frequency with altitude, especially next to blown-off areas. Whumpfing collapsing sounds when walking on the snow cover, snowpack can indicate danger. At high altitudes, older wind slabs are sometimes still prone to triggering. Terrain traps are less full due to a lack of snow and are therefore more effective.

With warm temperatures, the snow cover was moistened up to around 2000 m and froze overnight to form at least a thin melt-freeze crust; in some areas it is icy next to the fresh drift snow. The transition from fresh and older wind slab to old snowpack (faceted crystals on/under crust) usually serves as a weak layer. This consists of layers of faceted crystals, deep rime and melt-freeze crusts. The total snow depth is still well below average. The sunny slopes and the broad ridges are often completely blown off or covered in snow.

The sky will remain clear during the night. On Wednesday, the consistently sunny weather will continue with good visibility and dry air. The wind will be mostly light to moderate. The temperature will hover around 0 degrees at 2000 metres and -6 degrees at 3000 metres.

No significant change in avalanche danger.