Lower Tauern South

Persistent weak layer in unfavorable spots are still triggerable

Persistent weak layer in unfavorable spots are still triggerable

Avalanche danger is MODERATE. Slabs can be triggered in some spots, particularly by large additional loading, and release medium-to-large sized avalanches. Danger zones exist especially near ridges, but also behind protruberances distant from ridges, and in gullies. Especially in transitions into wind-loaded zones, fracture points for slab avalanches can be touched. Below 2500 m due to warmth, superficial loose-snow avalanches (small-to-medium) are possible. In very steep grass-covered terrain, glide-snow avalanches are possible.

Strong warmth (zero-degree level on Wednesday at about 3000 m) has helped the snowpack to settle at all altitudes, at low and intermediate altitudes there is pronounced moistening at least superficially. Caution: imposingly large cornices are often instable. Proneness to triggering of snowdrifts has receded. But above intermediate altitudes there is still a persistent weak layer (faceted crystals near a melt-freeze crust as potential fracture point for slab avalanches) which can be triggered in unfavorable spots in the landscape. On steep grass-covered slopes below about 2500 m, the snowpack is gliding over the ground.

On Thursday, very sunny, perfect visibility. After noon, harmless clouds will pass through, but hardly impede the beautiful weather. In the Northern Alps moderate westerly winds in the afternoon. At 2000 m: temperatures slowly dropping from +4 to 0 degrees; at 3000 m: from 0 to -6 degrees. On Friday, the weather will change as a cold front arrives. Visibility often impaired. Strong winds will bring repeated bouts of snow showers (5-15 cm of fresh snow, esp.in Northern Alps). Snowfall level will rapidly descend to low lying areas. The W/NW winds will be blowing at 50-70 km/hr. At 2000m: dropping from -3 to -10 degrees; at 3000 m: from -9 to -15 degrees.

On Friday, fresh danger zones will develop during the course of the day above the treeline. Glide-snow problem persists, despite dropping temperatures. Wet snow is no longer a problem.