Weisseck, Muhr Valley

Isolated avalanche prone locations in the old snow

Isolated avalanche prone locations in the old snow

Avalanche danger is low. Starting at about 2500 m, snowdrift accumulations can be triggered from the weight of one winter sports enthusiast in isolated cases, esp. on extended east-facing slopes. The risk of falling and sustaining injuries outweighs that of being buried in snow masses. As of about 2600m on purely shady slopes (NW to NE) there is a small problem with a persistent weak layer, where in a few places in steep terrain a small slab could be released by minimum additional loading. In general, there is still very little snow on the ground, thus the main danger stems from injuries in the terrain (falls, protruding stones, rocks, crevices, branches) rather than from snow and avalanches.

There is still very little snow on the ground, backcountry skiing tours are hardly possible. As of about 2600m on shady slopes, the snow from September has persisted and is very compact. Between the September snow and the November snow, some faceted crystals were found which could serve as a weak layer. In shady zones, surface hoar has recently formed which will be blanketed over by fresh snowfall.

Following a night of cloudy skies, precipitation will set in early Tuesday morning: as rainfall to above 2000m to start with, the snowfall level then swiftly descending down toward 1500m. During the daytime, moderately heavy snowfall, slackening off in afternoon, with poor visibility. Above 1500m: 5-15 cm of fresh snow anticipated widespread. Winds will be blowing generally at moderate velocity, with gusts briefly reaching 60 km/hr, from NW directions. Temperatures will drop during the course of the day: at 2000m from +2 down to -6 degrees; at 3000 m from -4 down to -11 degrees. On Tuesday night, clouds will remain dense, light snowfall is expected. On Wednesday, cloudy skies, cold, poor visibility and light snowfall. In exposed high alpine terrain, strong-velocity northwesterly winds will be blowing.

Little change expected. Steep slopes with fresh snowfall should be avoided.