Lower Tauern South

Trigger-sensitive snowdrift masses in wind-protected areas

Trigger-sensitive snowdrift masses in wind-protected areas

As a result of southerly winds, small and, in isolated cases, medium-sized snowdrift accumulations have been generated on west-facing, north-facing and east-facing slopes above the timberline. Also on Friday amid light snowfall and, in some places, strong-velocity winds, small snowdrift masses are being freshly generated. These masses are prone to triggering and can be released even by one single winter sports enthusiast. Danger zones are found above all in gullies and bowls, as well as in relatively wind-protected zones. Avalanches can become dangerous for skiers particularly where the snowpack is equally distributed over a widespread area. From the point of view of skiers, most favourable at the moment are wind-protected, moderately steep slopes distant from ridges. In these zones, not only is avalanche danger negligible, but there is also loose, fresh snow which can be enjoyed in some places in the snow-filled bowls...without meeting up with (many) rocks.

Particularly on shady slopes, the snowpack layering is currently unfavourable. Generally the lower part of the (still shallow) snowpack consists of a sequence of melt-freeze crusts and faceted crystals which (depending on altitude) have been formed over the recent weeks and months. Weak layers are blanketed by drifts only in isolated cases, mostly the necessary slab is lacking. Snowdrift accumulations are found in wind-protected zones above the treeline. In general, winter sports in outlying terrain still have insufficient snow. Above 2000 m the overall snow depth is 40 to 70 cm. The snow is distributed very irregularly: wind-exposed terrain is bare, gullies and bowls are filled to the brim.

Friday: gray skies due to heavy cloud, the summits are often free. Residual fog can limit visibility. Near the Nockberge and on the Main Alpine Ridge of the Tauern, a small amount of snowfall is possible. In high altitude Tauern regions, southerly wind will prevail (up to 80 km/hr); at 3000 m; -7 degrees. Saturday: the peaks will be shrouded in fog, a bit of snowfall in the morning, in the afternoon this will intensify. In high alpine regions, NW winds will intensify. At 2000 m: from -5 to -9 degrees; at 3000m, -10 degrees.

Avalanche danger will increase on the weekend as a result of precipitation and winds.