Lower Tauern Central

Fresh snowdrift accumulations from NW winds. Weak layer in places.

Fresh snowdrift accumulations from NW winds. Weak layer in places.

Avalanche danger rapidly increases above the treeline: above 2000 m danger is MODERATE. Fresh snowdrift accumulations can in places be triggered even by the weight of one sole skier and release a medium-sized avalanche. Danger zones occur mostly in ridgeline terrain and pass areas as well as behind abrupt discontinuties in the terrain on W/N/NE facing slopes. In the foehn lanes this could also apply to east-facing gullies which were filled laterally by winds with drifts. Danger zones are easily recognized and should be circumvented. In addition, naturally triggered glide-snow avalanches of medium size are possible on steep grassy slopes in all aspects, mostly in south-facing terrain, below 2400 m. Zones below glide cracks should be avoided whenever possible.

Temperatures have risen noticeably, the weekend drifts (north-facing slopes atop loose snowpack) have settled further, the proneness to triggering has receded. Fresh snow and drifts from last weekend are well bonded with the old snowpack. In south-facing terrain a thin melt-freeze crust on steep slopes has formed. In other aspects on leeward slopes there is good powder, Isolated: the snowpack glides away over very steep, mostly sunny grassy slopes from the ground.

On Sunday, clouds to start with, then dispersing. In the Northern Alps in particular and in the Radstadt Tauern, minor snowfall is possible, later on dry. In the Pinzgau, clouds will disperse near midday. At 2000 m: from -2 to +1 degree; at 3000 m: -5 degrees.

No significant change is expected.