Ankogel-Hochalm Group

Increase in danger of wet avalanches in the course of the day.

Increase in danger of wet avalanches in the course of the day.

As a consequence of warming during the day and solar radiation there will be an increase in the danger of wet avalanches. Individual natural avalanches are possible as the day progresses. This applies on shady slopes below approximately 2500 m, as well as on sunny slopes at elevated altitudes. Especially on steep shady slopes avalanches can be released in the weakly bonded old snow and reach large size in isolated cases. Dry avalanches can additionally be released by people, especially on very steep west, north and east facing slopes above approximately 2500 m. Especially transitions from a shallow to a deep snowpack are unfavourable. The avalanche prone locations are difficult to recognise.

The surface of the snowpack will freeze to form a strong crust only at high altitudes and will already soften in the late morning. Sunshine and high temperatures will give rise to increasing and thorough wetting of the snowpack below approximately 3000 m. The high humditiy will give rise in the afternoon to a loss of strength within the snowpack also on steep shady slopes. Steep west, north and east facing slopes: Faceted weak layers exist in the bottom section of the old snowpack at elevated altitudes.

Outgoing longwave radiation during the night will be good. The backcountry touring conditions in the morning at elevated altitudes are generally favourable. As the day progresses as a consequence of warming during the day and solar radiation there will be an appreciable increase in the danger of wet avalanches.