Lower Tauern South

Backcounry tours demand a defensive route selection

Backcounry tours demand a defensive route selection

Avalanche danger above 2200m is considerable, below that altitude danger is moderate. Slab avalanches can be triggered by minimum additional loading. Esp. on W/N/E-facing slopes above 2200m, avalanches can fracture down to more deeply embedded layers of the snowpack and grow to large size. On extremely steep slopes, naturally triggered (or person-triggered) wet loose-snow avalanches of medium size are expected due to daytime warming and solar radiation. On steep grass-covered slopes, medium-sized glide-snow avalanches are possible.

Due to daytime warming the snowpack is rapidly settling, above 2000m there are faceted crystals forming a weak layer. In the lower and middle parts of the snowpack above 2200m there are weak layers of faceted crystals which are embedded between crusts. Below 2000m the old snow is sticky or moist, after nights of cloudy skies it softens quickly during the morning hours and forfeits its bonding. Over ground which previously was bare of snow the fresh fallen snow can glide away as a glide-snow avalanche.

After a night of overcast skies, lots of sunshine and good visibility on Thursday, the skies with very little cloud cover. A moderate to strong easterly winds will be blowing. At 2000m: -1 to +3 degrees; at 3000m. -4 to -2 degrees.

Persistent weak layer problem gradually receding