Lower Tauern Central

Old snowdrift masses in very steep terrain

Old snowdrift masses in very steep terrain

Avalanche danger above 2000 m is MODERATE (2), elsewhere danger is LOW. The old snowpack masses from the middle of the week are well bonded, in isolated cases in very steep terrain a dry-snow slab can trigger by large additional loading. More treacherous comparatively are leeward slopes distant from ridges and shallow-snow zones on shady north-facing slopes. Potential avalanches can be small-to-medium sized. The cold fresh snow is only enough for thin, small snowdrift accumulations near ridges. Heightened risk of falling in extremely steep terrain.

There was 5-10 cm of cold powder depositeed atop a compact old snowpack surface. Near ridges the surface is wind-impacted, but not much snowdrift was generated. The old snowpack beneath has settled well, is topped by a firm melt freeze crust. Inside the old snowpack are soft layers of faceted crystals, which are currently not a threat.

On Saturday it will be clear and sunny, but cold and stormy. Brisk northerly winds at 50-60 km/hr. At 2000 m: -11 degrees, at 3000 m: -17 degrees. On Sunday, unimpeded sunshine. Fogbanks will recede in the morning. At 2000 m: -7 degrees, at 3000 m: -13 degrees.

Little change, favorable all in all