Villach Alps

Main danger: freshly generated snowdrift accumulations

Main danger: freshly generated snowdrift accumulations

Due to fresh snow and northerly winds, often trigger-sensitive snowdrift accumulations have been generated in ridgeline terrain, gullies and bowls. These drifts can be triggered in many cases by one sole skier in all aspects above 1800m. Danger zones are easily recognized to the practiced eye. In morning, likelihood of triggering increases somewhat. Avalanches can reach medium size. Due to solar radiation, increasingly frequent small loose-snow avalanches can be expected, esp. on steep rocky slopes. The runout zones require adequate consideration.

Esp. along the Italian and Slovenian borders, up to 30cm of fresh snow was registered. Fresh snowdrift accumulations were deposited atop unfavorable layers. Solar radiation will lead starting at midday to a moistening of the snowpack on very steep sunny slopes.

On Saturday, high-pressure front conditions will bring radiant sunshine with outstanding visibility. Winds will be light to moderate from north to northeast, windspeeds reaching 35 km/hr. Temperatures rising slightly. At 1000m: -1 degree; at 2000m: -6 degrees. Source: GeoSphere Austria

Assess snowdrifts with caution