Wölz Tauern South

Some fresh snowdrifts at high altitudes, isolated glide-snow avalanches in steep terrain

Some fresh snowdrifts at high altitudes, isolated glide-snow avalanches in steep terrain

Avalanche danger is moderate. At high altitudes in extended east facing terrain, small snowdrift accumulations which in places can be triggered by 1 person, releases reaching medium-to-large size. On steep slopes in all aspects, naturally triggered glide-snow and wet-snow avalanches can be expected. Open glide cracks are indicators of imminent danger.

At high altitudes, ridgeline snowdrift accumulations have been generated by minor fresh snow (up to 25 cm between Dachstein and Totes Gebirge) and moderate W/NW winds, often poorly bonded with the mostly melt-freeze encrusted old snowpack surface. On Wednesday further snow transport is anticipated. At intermediate and lower altitudes the snowpack is very moist-to-wet due to rain impact, can glide over smooth ground.

On Wednesday a weak warm front will reach the Eastern Alps. Following a night of often clear skies, the day will generally being with only a few clouds. On the northern flank of the Alps cloud cover will increase in the course of the morning, in the afternoon the summits will disappear in fog. Not much precipitation is expected. On the southern flank of the Alps mostly sunny. In ridgeline terrain and at summit level, light to moderate NW winds, stronger on the eastern rim of the Alps. At 2000 m: -2 degrees; at 1500 m: +2 degrees. On Thursday, sunshine and clouds will alternate. It will be milder. Friday will be quite warm.

Due to slowly rising temperatures, the snowdrift problem will recede. The gliding snow problem will persist.