Pongau Grass Mountains

Freshly generated, trigger-sensitive snowdrifts

Freshly generated, trigger-sensitive snowdrifts

Avalanche danger is the direct result of recent and current wind impact: CONSIDERABLE danger above treeline. Avalanche prone locations focus on leeward steep slopes in NW/E/SW aspects and on steep gullies. Danger zones increase rapidly above the treeline. Even the weight of one sole skier can trigger an avalanche. Small-to-medium sized releases (large-sized ones in isolated cases) are possible.

The most recent fresh snow was transported on Tuesday by strong W/NW winds. Accompanied by higher temperatures, compact snowdrift accumulations will be generated on Wednesday which will be easily triggerable on the loosely-packed and cold snow. The old snowpack is relatively compact. In the classic December backcountry touring regions there are no pronounced or relevant weak layers. A potential old snow problem prevails at high altitudes in northern aspects above about 2200 m.

On Wednesday, high-altitude clouds will frequently veil the sun, but summits will mostly remain free. Intermittent sunshine is possible. At high altitudes from Steinberge to the Gosaukamm, strong SW winds will be blowing. It will be noticeably milder: temperatures at 2000 m between -4 and -1 degree; at 3000 m at -7 degrees. On Thursday, visibility in the mountains will initially be reduced due to heavy cloud and snowfall. During the course of the day conditions will improve, dry weather is anticipated in the afternoon with somewhat better visibility. A moderate to brisk W/NW wind will be blowing. Temperatures at 2000 m: -9 degrees; at 3000 m: -15 degrees.

No significant change in avalanche danger levels is anticipated. Lower temperatures and westerly winds will not make the avalanche situation any better on Thursday.