Lower Tauern South

Daytime loss of firmness even up to high altitudes

Daytime loss of firmness even up to high altitudes

Avalanche danger in early morning is LOW, then rises to MODERATE at midday at latest.Isolated danger zones for slab avalanches occur near ridges in E/W aspects at high altitudes and in wind-loaded gullies and bowls. There in particular a slab avalanche can be triggered, particularly by large additional loading, e.g. a fall.Naturally triggered wet-snow avalanches (also from additional loading) occur on sun-drenched steep slopes and isolated glide-snow avalanches on extremely steep grassy slopes. These can reach medium size, in isolated cases large size.

The recent snowfall in high alpine regions has settled and has been moistened up to 2600 m at least superficially. The proneness to triggering in E/S aspects has receded. On steep sunny slopes the snowpack has a melt-freeze crust in early morning which is capable of bearing loads, then softens at varying quickness during the day depending on altitude and aspect. A potential weak layer: The smooth Sahara-brown snowpack layer, but isolated releases fractured deeper down.

On Wednesday, following a night of adequate outgoing longwave radiation, it will be sunny. Some diffuse light due to high-altitude clouds. In exposed terrain, moderate S/E winds. At 2000 m: very mild, 10 degrees. On Wednesday night, more clouds, but the outgoing radiation might still be able to regain firmness. On Thursday, favorable conditions to start with, with sunshine and some high-altitude clouds which can intermittently dampen the sunshine. In the afternoon a slight risk of showers. Winds will be brisk from the north. At 2000 m: 8 degree, at 3000 m: +2 degrees.

Due to noticeably higher temperatures a pronounced daytime cycle of naturally triggered avalanche danger. Good time management is crucial.