Venediger Group Central

Heed: fresh snowdrifts and persistent weak layer at high altitudes

Heed: fresh snowdrifts and persistent weak layer at high altitudes

Avalanche danger above 2400 m is CONSIDERABLE, below that altitude danger is moderate. Fresh snowdrift accumulations can be triggered in some danger zones by 1 persons and grow to medium size. Danger zones increase with ascending altitude, occur esp. behind discontinuities and in gullies and bowls on W/N/E facing slopes. Drifts are easy to recognize and should be avoided. Above 2400 m there are near-surface weak layers in the snowpack, triggerable in some places by 1 person, large-sized releases possible, esp. on very steep shady slopes. There is continuing latent danger of glide-snow avalanches, usually medium-sized, occasionally larger. Due to solar radiation in the afternoon, small loose-snow avalanches possible in extremely steep terrain.

Due to southerly foehn wind, fresh snowdrift accumulations will be generated, deposited atop a soft surface above 2200 m. Above 2400 m both blanketed surface hoar and faceted crystals near crusts can serve as weak layers, esp. on W/N/E facing slopes. At intermediate altitudes the snowpack is thoroughly moist and compact.

Last showers will soon end, skies will become clear. South of the Main Alpine Ridge the clouds will persist, minor snowfall is still possible. On Friday, sunshine from morning till night. Along the Tauern clouds will move in from the south, can hamper visibility, a bit of snowfall is possible. Winds will be moderate, intensify later in the day. At high altitudes of the Tauern, winds will be southerly, reach speeds of 50 km/hr. At 2000 m: -7 to -4 degrees; at 3000 m: -12 to -10 degrees.

Avalanche danger levels are not expected to change significantly.