Kitzbühel Alps Upper Pinzgau

AVOID fresh snowdrifts in steep terrain

AVOID fresh snowdrifts in steep terrain

Fresh snowdrifts are found starting at the treeline in places. Above 2000 m they are often easily triggered. Even the impulse of one single person can trigger a medium-to-large sized slab. Aspects N/E/S are the most treacherous. The avalanche prone locations are easy to underestimate due to windblown terrain and generally rough ground surfaces in backcountry touring zones. Second danger: very steep grassy slopes, where medium-sized glide-snow avalanches can trigger naturally.

The temperature fluctuations - first cold, then warm, then cold again - are stabilizing the snowpack. The problem today is the most recent snowfall (10-30 cm) which was transported by NW winds and deposited on top of cold powder snow.

On Friday, snowfall with interims, also heavy cloud cover and residual fog will hinder visibility. As of midday the cloud cover will disperse somewhat, in afternoon it will turn sunny. In the morning, brisk winds (30 km/hr), slackening off in the afternoon. At 2000 m: -11 degrees, at 3000 m -18 degrees. On Saturday, overcast skies, most summits will be in the clear. Possible light snowfall at midday. Moderate southerly winds.

Snowdrift problem will persist above about 2000 m. Moderate glide-snow activity below 2000 m.