Lower Tauern Central

Old snowdrifts in gullies

Old snowdrifts in gullies

Danger of avalanches above the timberline is MODERATE, below that altitude LOW. On very steep slopes below 2200 m, naturally triggered glide-snow avalanches are possible. Above the timberline slab avalanches can trigger. Avalanche prone locations focus on gullies in all aspects and wind-loaded steep slopes, increasingly frequent in NW/E/S aspects. Triggering a small-to-medium sized slab avalanche is possible there by large additional loading, i.e. through a fall or stamping down the snow.

Warmth, rainfall (drizzle up to 2700 m) and subsequent nocturnal cooling have helped the snowpack to regain firmness at high altitudes. The moistened snowpack has a melt-freeze crust on the surface. The snowpack is gliding over smooth, grass-covered slopes. Above the timberline there are older drifts deposited in gullies and bowls which are blanketed a bit of new snow. In higher, wind-protected zones the loose snow can become a weak layer for the slightly-bonded new snow which is deposited on top of it.

On Wednesday, dense cloud will persist to begin with, but little precipitation is anticipated. In the course of the afternoon the clouds will disperse, some sunshine is expected. Winds in exposed terrain will be moderate, in the Tauern region blowing at 30-40 km/hr from the north. At high altitudes uniform temperatures around -3 degrees. On Thursday visibility will be good above the valley fog. From Steinberge to Tennen Massif, only the higher peaks will pierce through the fogbanks. In the afternon, heavy cloud will move in from the north, limiting visibility in the Tauern region. Winds there will be brisk to strong from the north. Temperature: -3 degrees.

Little change.