Lower Tauern South

Beware fresh and older snowdrift accumulations

Beware fresh and older snowdrift accumulations

Avalanche danger above 1800 m is MODERATE, below that altitude danger is low. Fresh and older snowdrift accumulations can be triggered by 1 person in high and high-alpine terrain as a medium-sized slab. Most danger zones occur behind discontinuities and in wind-loaded gullies and bowls, they can be blanketed and difficult to recognize. Due to solar radiation and diffuse light, small loose-snow avalanches can release naturally in extremely steep (>40°) terrain. In places, small loose-snow avalanches can be triggered by 1 person. In isolated cases, glide-snow avalanches, medium-sized, can release naturally at any time, esp. where the snow fell on bare ground. Avoid zones below glide cracks.

Another 10 cm of fresh snow is expected atop the fresh snow of recent days. Blanketed fresh snow or graupel can be a near-surface weak layer. As a result of solar radiation the fresh snow settles, bonding is generally good. Atop snowy steep rocks and grassy slopes the snowpack is wet at ground level and can glide away. Reserves of cold are limited to shady slopes above 2600 m.

Heavily overcast skies at night, repeated bouts of snowfall, light winds. On Wednesday, poor visibility in the morning, the summits in fog. In the Northern Alps frequent snowfall; south of the Salzachtal, less snowfall. Generally, 10cm of fresh snow expected, brisk NW winds. In afternoon the precipitation will taper off, visibility improve, clouds disperse. At 2000 m: -5 degrees.

Avalanche danger levels are not expected to change significantly.