Wölz Tauern South

Weak persistent layer is still the main problem

Weak persistent layer is still the main problem

The avalanche risk is moderate above 1800 metres and low below. There is still a persistent weak layer problem in the extended northern sector. Medium-sized slab avalanches can still be triggered by people in mainly steep gullies and bowls. The avalanche prone locations are usually difficult to recognise and are often located in transition areas from little to much snow. On the sunny slopes, the softened, barely stabilised snowpack can trigger wet snow avalanches.

Due to a lack of outgoing longwave radiation, the snowpack hardly gains any firmness, so that it quickly becomes damp or wet up to the higher elevations. On shady slopes, there are still areas with a soft (faceted) snow surface at higher altitudes, but the surface is often already hard here too. Below this, there are still responsive weak layers in the form of faceted crystals in the area of crusts or frost that is still snowed in. In addition, the foundation consisting of floating snow (deep rime) continues to weaken the snowpack (partly also on the south side). Medium (sunny slopes) and low altitudes are largely free of snow.

In the night to Monday, clouds will increase at high and medium-high levels, higher mountains in the western northern Alps and the Niedere Tauern may become foggy in the morning. The southerly wind will become stronger. During the day, a small-scale low-altitude low will provide plenty of clouds and hardly any sunshine. Most peaks will remain clear, but the higher mountains of the Niedere Tauern may be covered in fog. There will be no precipitation. Temperatures will drop slightly to between 0 and +3 degrees at 2000 metres above sea level and +4 degrees at 1500 metres above sea level. Moderate to strong winds from southerly directions, especially in the Niedere Tauern.

More sunshine again on Tuesday, afternoon showers from Wednesday. No significant change in the avalanche danger.