Fischbach Alps East, Wechsel

Storm-strength winds and fresh snow: snowdrift problem intensifying

Storm-strength winds and fresh snow: snowdrift problem intensifying

Above the treeline danger is moderate, below that altitude danger is low. Fresh snowdrift accumulations, most in E/S facing terrain, are danger zones, triggerable even by minimum additional loading as a slab release. Particularly transition zones and entries into gullies and bowls which are wind-loaded need to be assessed critically.

Gale-strength winds are generating small snowdrift accumulations, often poorly bonded with the snowbase beneath them. Starting on Monday afternoon, fresh snow will be added, increasing the size and frequency of the drifts, which will be deposited atop surface hoar or loosely-packed snow.

On Monday morning, still sunshine. As of midday, cloud cover will move in from the northwest. During the afternoon in the northern barrier cloud regions, snowfall will set in. In the Northern Alps, gale-strength NW winds will rage, visibility will deteriorate. South of the Niedere Tauern, weather conditions will be more pleasant, only a small amount of fresh snow is anticipated. At 2000 m: about -7 degrees. On Tuesday, snowfall in the northern barrier cloud regions, stormy NW winds. The south will be more pleasant.

Fresh snowfall and stormy NW winds: increasing avalanche danger levels.