Steinernes Meer, Hochkönig, Hagen Mountains, Göll massif

Main danger: freshly generated snowdrifts

Main danger: freshly generated snowdrifts

Avalanche danger above 2200 m is CONSIDERABLE, below that altitude MODERATE. Lots of fresh snow and westerly wind has generated widespread snowdrift accumulations, particularly on N/E facing slopes they are prone to triggering, can be unleashed even by a single winter sports enthusiast. Danger zones occur above 2200 m behind abrupt discontinuities in the terrain, in gullies and bowls. Likelihood of triggering increases with ascending altitude. Avalanches can reach medium size. In addition, on Friday night with rainfall up to 2200 m, small wet loose-snow avalanches and glide-snow avalanches can be expected on extremely steep slopes or hillsides in all aspects. Likelihood of triggering decreases as the snowfall level descends on Saturday morning.

On Friday night, 24.12, rainfall up to 2200 m, temperatures dropping somewhat in early morning. By midday on Saturday, 20-40 cm of fresh snow is expected. Strong-to-stormy westerly winds will transport the fresh snow, the snowdrift accumulations will be prone to triggering. The old snowpack is highly irregular, but has consolidated with the higher tempertures. Below 2000m and on south-facing slopes, the snowpack is frequently moist or wet. Below 1800 m there is little snow on the ground.

Saturday: clouds in the Tauern will reduce visibility or create diffuse light. Light rainfall/snowfall possible in the morning hours (snowfall above 1600-1900 m). As of midday it will remain largely dry, visibility will improve. Winds will be SW/NW at 40-60 km/hr. At 2000 m: -1 degree, at 3000 m -7 degrees. Sunday: lots of sunshine, residual clouds will recede, visibility will be adequate, winds light, extremely mild. At 2000m: 3-7 degrees, at 3000 m at midday, 0 degrees.

Danger will decrease slightly. With the warm temperatures the snowdrifts will consolidate.Due to solar radiation, naturally triggered loose-snow avalanches are expected in rocky terrain.