Persistent weak layers
- All elevations
Moderate avalanche danger at high altitudes
Moderate avalanche danger at high altitudes
Avalanche danger in the Gurktal and Seetal Alps, on Packalpe and Koralpe above the timberline is moderate above the timberline. Small snowdrifts can be triggered as a small slab avalanche even by minimum additional loading. A weak layer distributed throughout all aspects inside the snowpack fundament (persistent weak layer) can be triggered in few places by large additional loading, but huge slab avalanches are possible, Transitions from shallow to deep snow are the most critical spots. Most critical are the transition zones from shallow to deep snow and the entries into gullies and bowls.
NW winds are generating small snowdrift accumulations, often poorly bonded with the snowbase beneath them. In addition, more deeply embedded inside the snowpack are weak layers of faceted crystals bordering on melt-freeze crusts, weakening the entire snowpack thereby. They occur only in a few places, are generally triggerable by large additional loading.
On Monday morning, still sunshine. As of midday, cloud cover will move in from the northwest. During the afternoon in the northern barrier cloud regions, snowfall will set in. In the Northern Alps, gale-strength NW winds will rage, visibility will deteriorate. South of the Niedere Tauern, weather conditions will be more pleasant, only a small amount of fresh snow is anticipated. At 2000 m: about -7 degrees. On Tuesday, snowfall in the northern barrier cloud regions, stormy NW winds. The south will be more pleasant.
Fresh snowfall and stormy NW winds: increasing avalanche danger levels.
Bulletin data: Avalanche Warning Service Styria (CC BY 4.0)