Lower Tauern South

Up above: snowdrifts. Below 2400m: wet-snow problem starting at midday.

Up above: snowdrifts. Below 2400m: wet-snow problem starting at midday.

Avalanche danger in the morning is LOW below 2200 m, above that altitude danger is moderate due to recent snowdrifts. In the afternoon, MODERATE everywhere due to warmth. At high and high alpine altitudes (above 2200-2400m) there are hard snowdrifts in steep ridgeline terrain atop soft layers which in isolated cases are triggerable by large additional loading (NE/E/S/SW aspects). Potential slabs are small-to-medium. The drifts are easy to recognize. Frequency of danger zones increases with ascending altitude. As warmth increases with the day unfolding, moist and wet superficial loose-snow avalanches (small-to-medium, occasionally large) can trigger naturally on extremely steep slopes. Also winter sports enthusiasts can trigger the recent layer of fresh snow or make it start to slide. Isolated glide-snow avalanches (small-to-medium) are possible on very steep grassy slopes.

The compact and moist old snowpack has a melt-freeze crust which softens in the sunshine at varying speeds. Above the treeline, winds on Tuesday formed compactly chiseled melt-freeze crust. Near ridges there are isolated small/shallow snowdrift masses atop soft snow. Elsewhere, bonding of fresh snow to old snow is good.

On Wednesday, favorable mountain weather, lots of sun, good visibility. Initially only thin high-altitude clouds above summit level. Later in the day, large convective cloud build-up is anticipated, later on isolated rain showers. Moderate southerly winds. Warmer. At 2000 m: 5 degrees. On Wednesday night, cloudy and mild. Light rainfall is possible. On Thursday, some sunshine at the start, acceptable visibility. Soon the cloud cover will become dense, the visibility deteriorate, orientation become difficult. Towards evening, precipitation will set in from the west (snowfall level at 2000m). Strong westerly winds. At 2000 m: 2 degrees.

Moderate wet-snow problem.