Lower Tauern Central

Fresh snowdrift accumulations trigger-prone

Fresh snowdrift accumulations trigger-prone

Avalanche danger above 1600 m is CONSIDERABLE, below that altitude danger is low. Danger zones from fresh snowdrifts occur esp. on steep N/W facing slopes and should be consequently avoided. In some places, a slab avalanche can be triggered by 1 person and grow to medium size. Older danger zones occur esp. in steep ridgeline terrain (>30°). Slab avalanches are possible above 1800 m on isolated very steep sunny slopes and in wind-protected terrain due to settling caused by rising temperatures. Naturally triggered loose-snow avalanches are possible on extremely steep slopes due to solar radiation. Danger of naturally triggered glide-snow avalanches persists. Where snow is deep enough, they can reach medium size. Avoid zones below glide cracks.

The loose recent snowfall from the weekend has been lavishly transported by SE winds. Large crystals and surface hoar have formed a weak layer, the drifts constitute the slab. Surface hoar formed during Monday night, the SE winds can blanket it. On sunny slopes the loose fresh snow crystals on the crust atop the old snowpack constitute a potential weak layer. Where the snowpack gets warmed by solar radiation and settles, a slab can form. The old snowpack is largely stable but the weight of fresh snow reinforces the tendency of the entire snowpack to glide downhill over the warm ground.

On Wednesday, good visibility and frequent sunshine, barely disturbed by cloud and fog. The SE winds will slacken off. At 2000 m: -4 degrees.

Avalanche danger will recede slightly.