Weisseck, Muhr Valley

Avalanche prone locations found particularly on shady ridgeline slopes

Particularly on shady slopes, the snowpack layering is currently unfavourable. Generally the lower part (of the still shallow snowpack) is a sequence of melt-freeze crusts and faceted crystals which (depending on altitude) have been formed over the recent weeks and months. The necessary slab is still lacking to cover the potential weak layers. In isolated cases it is found in the form of older, blanketed snowdrift masses in gullies and bowls above 2400 m and in fresh, easily recognized, but highly trigger-sensitive snowdrift masses in summit zones. In general, winter sports in outlying terrain still have insufficient snow. Above 2000 m the overall snow depth is 40 to 70 cm. The snow is distributed very irregularly: wind-exposed terrain is bare, gullies and bowls are filled to the brim.

Thursday: the sun will soon come out, accompanied by a few cloudbnanks in the valleys which hamper visibility on the ascent. No precipitation, winds will be light. At 2000 m: -7 degrees; at 3000 m: -11 degrees. Friday: the sun will hide somewhat behind intermediate altitude clouds, but visibility shouldn’t be hindered except by local residual cloud or fog. Until midday it will remain free of precipitation, in the afternoon in the southern Tauern and Nockberge snowfall will set in. And there, brisk to moderately-strong southerly winds will be blowing. At 2000 m: -2 degrees; at 3000 m: -6 degrees.

Avalanche danger levels will remain unchanged. On Friday, new snowdrift accumulations can form.

Avalanche prone locations found particularly on shady ridgeline slopes

In high alpine regions on north-facing and east-facing ridgeline slopes behind abrupt discontinuities in the terrain, small snowdrift accumulations have formed. They are prone to triggering, but usually remain small releases, dangerous for winter sports enthusiasts only in isolated cases. In addition, older and now blanketed snowdrifts from last weekend are still triggerable in isolated cases. Danger zones are found on very steep (>35°) slopes above 2400 m, in somewhat wind-protected zones such as gullies and bowls. Avalanches can attain medium size in areas where there has been heavier snowfall. From the point of view of skiers, most favourable at the moment are wind-protected, moderately steep slopes distant from ridges. In these zones the avalanche danger is minimal, but there is also loose, fresh snow which can be enjoyed in some places in the snow-filled bowls...without meeting up with (many) rocks.