Totes Gebirge South

Few danger zones, due to snowdrift problem and persistent weak layer

Few danger zones, due to snowdrift problem and persistent weak layer

Avalanche danger is low in general, isolated snowdrift patches are to be found in wind-loaded steep zones esp. in N/E ridgeline areas above 1800 m. The easily recognized snowdrift patches are prone to triggering and are a major risk to falling. Apart from that there are few danger zones where a slab can be triggered by large additional loading, most likely in extremely steep, shallow-snow terrain above 2200 m on E/N facing slopes. Shallow-snow and extremely steep slopes, especially in ridgeline terrain, should be critically assessed or, better yet, circumvented.

On Sunday, 5-10 cm of new snow was registered above 1500 m amid light wind. Older and small snowdrift patches have been deposited atop a frequently hardened and melt-freeze encrusted and often smooth old snowpack surface, bonding deteriorates with ascending altitude. Beneath the melt-freeze crusts, particularly on shady slopes, is a soft, faceted layer. On sunny slopes the surface can turn to firn during the daytime, at lower altitudes it rapidly turns moist-to-wet.

On Monday in the Eastern Alps, weak high-pressure front conditions will come to the fore. In the Niedere Tauern clouds will disperse in the morning and it will turn sunny. From Hochschwab eastwards, low lying clouds will persist all day long. Temperatures at midday in the western regions at 2000 m: 0 degrees; at 1500 m: +2 degrees; in the eastern regions: -2 to +2 degrees. Winds will mostly be light from S/SW directions. On Tuesday, widespread clouds will pass through, but sunshine will also be present. The light-to-moderate winds will shift from southwesterly to northwesterly during the afternoon. Temperatures will rise slightly. Some new snow is approaching along the Tauern above 1000 m.

No significant change in avalanche danger is expected.