Weisseck, Muhr Valley

Persistent weak layer and small snowdrifts

Persistent weak layer and small snowdrifts

Avalanche danger above 2300 m is MODERATE, below that altitude danger is LOW. Weak layers inside the old snowpack can on shady slopes above approximately 2300 m still can be easily triggered, particularly on wind-protected slopes at the foot of rock walls or behind abrupt discontinuties in the terrain. Avalanches can attain medium size. In addition, fresh snowdrift accumulations are prone to triggering, particularly on steep (>35°) N/E facing slopes above 2500 m. Danger zones occur behind abrupt discontinuities in the terrain, in gullies and bowls. Difficult to recognize danger zones, particularly in early morning. Caution wherever falls are possible. Isolated small glide-snow avalanches are possible on steep grassy slopes as well as small wet loose-snow avalanches, du to a thoroughly wet snowpack, sunshine and warmth. Reports from the relevant regions with regard to the persistent weak layer are few and far between currently (due to the snow situation); for that reason, these estimates are uncertain.

On high-alpine north-facing slopes the snowpack layering is unfavourable due to a sequence of melt-freeze crusts and faceted crystals in the fundament above 2300 m. This applies particularly to wind-protected slopes. Snowdrift accumulations which have been generated since Saturday lie atop soft layers, particularly on shady slopes at high altitude, and are prone to triggering in places. Warm temperatures help the snowpack to settle, consolidate the drifts. On Monday night, 5-10 cm of fresh snow is anticipated amid strong NW winds. Small snowdrift accumulations will be generated behind abrupt discontinuities in the terrain, in gullies and bowls. On shady slopes - also in other aspects in high alpine terrain - they will be desposited atop a loose old snowpack surface and can be triggered in places. Snow depths are below average. Below 1800 m there is little snow on the ground.

On Tuesday, heavy clouds will shroud the summits in fog, reduce visibility severely, light snowfall from place to place. In the Nockberge, adequate visibility from the start. During the course of the day, visibility will improve, sunny weather will prevail. Winds initially brisk to strong from the west, slackening off later on. At 2000 m: -5 degrees; at 3000 m, -10 degrees.

Fresh snowdrift accumulations are consolidating.