Wölz Tauern South

Not yet settled snowdrifts at high altitudes, glide-snow avalanches in steep terrain

Not yet settled snowdrifts at high altitudes, glide-snow avalanches in steep terrain

Avalanche danger is moderate above 1800 m. At high altitudes in extended east and south-facing terrain, small snowdrift accumulations which in places can be triggered by 1 person, releases reaching medium-to-large size. On steep slopes in all aspects, naturally triggered glide-snow and wet-snow avalanches can be expected. Open glide cracks are indicators of imminent danger. In regions where snowfall has been heavy, wet-snow avalanche activity will increase.

At high altitudes, freshly generated ridgeline snowdrift accumulations due to moderate W/NW winds, often poorly bonded with the snowpack surface, lie atop melt-freeze encrusted smooth old snowpack surfaces or atop softer layers of fresh snow (warm/cold problem). On north-facing slopes fewer snowdrifts, the old snowpack surfaces are rougher. Weak layers will dissolve with the higher temperatures. Windblown slopes and crests are often hard or icy, dangerous due to risks of falling. At intermediate and lower altitudes the snowpack is very moist-to-wet due to rain impact, can glide over smooth ground.

At the forefront of a low over the Gulf of Biscay, very warm air masses are being brought to the Eastern Alps. Friday will be sunny widespread in Styria, a few clouds will pass through, winds will be light from west to south. Midday temperatures at 2000 m: +7 degrees; at 1500 m: +12 degrees. On Saturday, conditions will turn increasingly variable. Clouds will veil the peaks in fog, some precipitation if expected, snowfall level in the Northern Alps at 2000 m, on the southern flank of the Alps at 2200 m. On Sunday, sunny until afternoon at least.

Snowdrift problem receding. Gliding snow problem persists.