Avalanche forecast

Beware snowdrifts and persistent weak layers

Beware snowdrifts and persistent weak layers

Fresh snowfall and strong-to-stormy northerly winds generated new snowdrift accumulations esp. in gullies and bowls, behind protruberances in the terrain which can be triggered in the old snow and reach medium size, particularly in wind-protected zones. Even one sole skier can trigger avalanches, esp. above 2200m. Danger zones occur esp. on W/N/E-facing slopes above 2200m. Very isolated danger zones occur also on south-facing slopes above 2600m. In isolated cases, avalanches can sweep along more deeply embedded layers of the snowpack. Danger zones and likelihood of triggering will increase during the course of the day. In addition, avalanches can trigger and fracture down to more deeply embedded layers of the snowpack, then grow to large size in isolated cases. Whumpf noises and glide cracks can indicate imminent danger. Loose-snow avalanches are possible, esp. in case of extended bright intervals, only small releases expected.

Strong winds have transported the snow, drifts lie deposited atop an unfavorable old snowpack above 2200m. Inside the snowpack on N/W/E-facing slopes are faceted, expansively metamorphosed weak layers, esp. above 2000m. The snowpack at low and intermediate altitudes is moist. Below 1500m there is little snow on the ground.

On Wednesday, lots of high-foglike clouds will move in amidst persistently strong easterly winds, above which it will be sunny all day long. Elsewhere, clouds will disperse regionally only during the afternoon hours. At 1000m: +13 degrees; at 2000m: +2 degrees; at 3000m: -6 degrees. Source: GeoSource Austria

Little change expected