Karawanks West

The conditions are precarious. The avalanche danger is within the upper range of danger level 3 (considerable).

Avalanches can as before be released, even by a single winter sport participant. The snowpack remains prone to triggering.

The conditions are precarious. The avalanche danger is within the upper range of danger level 3 (considerable).

Avalanches can in many places be released in the old snowpack. Mostly these are medium-sized and can be released easily even by a single winter sport participant. As a consequence of warming, the likelihood of avalanches being released will increase. Caution is to be exercised in particular on west, north and east facing slopes above approximately 1800 m. Remotely triggered avalanches are possible. Individual natural avalanches are still not ruled out. The avalanche prone locations are prevalent and are barely recognisable. Whumpfing sounds and the formation of shooting cracks when stepping on the snowpack are a clear indication of a weakly bonded snowpack. Mostly small loose snow avalanches are possible as a consequence of warming during the day and solar radiation. Individual gliding avalanches can also occur.

In particular along the border with Slovenia and along the border with Italy in some localities up to 50 cm of snow has fallen since Tuesday above approximately 1200 m. The new snow is lying on top of a weakly bonded old snowpack in particular on west, north and east facing slopes above approximately 1800 m. Distinct weak layers exist in the old snowpack.