Wölz Tauern South

Snowdrift problem at high altitude

Snowdrift problem at high altitude

Avalanche danger is considerable above the timberline in the regions of Dachstein, Totes Gebirge, Niedere Tauern as far as Koralpe. Avalanche prone locations are found in eastern and northern aspects. Good areas (unbonded cold powder) and treacherous areas (wind-loaded slopes) lie immediately adjacent to each other. Wherever snowdrifts were deposited, the likelihood of slabs triggering is high. Older snowdrift accumulations and freshly generated drifts can be triggered even by minimum additional loading. The released slab can fracture down to more deeply embedded layers.

There has been 20-30 cm of fresh snow registered in the region, deposited on a layer of surface hoar. On leeward slopes there is significantly more consolidated snow. However, there are also areas where the snow is loosely-packed. The old snowpack is weakened deeper down by soft and hard layers.

In icy temperatures, light snowfall in the Northern Alps is expected during the morning. Thereafter, cloud cover and fog will gradually disperse. On the southern flank of the Alps, sunny and dry weather will set in during the morning. The sharp, cold northwesterly wind will slacken off during the course of the day. At 2000 m: -9 degrees.

No significant change in avalanche danger levels is expected.