Lower Tauern North

Westerly winds generating instable snowdrift accumulations

Westerly winds generating instable snowdrift accumulations

Avalanche danger is LOW till just below the forest line, danger is CONSIDERABLE above that due to wind impact. Dangers focus on ridgeline and steep terrain distant-from-ridges in N/E/SW aspects where snowdrift masses can easily be triggered. Avalanche prone locations increase in frequency with ascending altitude and wind impact. Even the weight of one sole person can trigger an avalanche. Small to large-sized (in isolated cases) slab avalanches are possible. Danger zones are easily recognized.

In the classic December backcountry touring regions there are no pronounced and relevant weak layers in the snowpack. A potential old-snow problem prevails at high altitudes in northern aspects above about 2200 m (Hochkönig, Steinberge). the old snowpack is relatively compact. In the classic December backcountry touring regions there are no pronounced and relevant weak layers. A potential old-snow problem prevails at high altitudes in northern aspects above 2200 m (Hochkönig, Steinberge).

During the daytime, heavy cloud and a bit of snowfall (up to 5 cm). Above the timberline, strong westerly winds (30-40 km/hr), also at storm strength at high altitude. During the afternoon, cloud cover will disperse. At 2000 m: -9 degrees; at 3000 m: -16 degrees. On Wednesday, strong foehn wind. High-altitude clouds will impede the sunshine, the peaks are often free. Strong-velocity southerly winds (40-50 km/hr). Temperatures rising: at 2000 m, -1 degree; at 3000 m, -6 degrees.

As a result of strong foehn wind and higher temperatures, more instable snowdrift accumulations will form. Danger level above the treeline: CONSIDERABLE.