Pongau Grass Mountains

Heikel - Large amounts of new snow, partly with wind influence.

Heikel - Large amounts of new snow, partly with wind influence.

The avalanche risk is considerable above the tree line (also in forest aisles). The large amount of new fallen snow and the extensive snowdrift accumulations on all aspects can easily be triggered above the tree line. Avalanches can start in layers close to the surface and reach medium size. Occasionally, avalanches can tear through layers of the snowpack close to the ground, especially on shady slopes. The wind slab is often covered with snow away from areas adjacent to the ridgeline and avalanche prone locations are difficult to recognise. Naturally triggered avalanches (both slabby and soft) are also to be expected in very steep, extreme terrain.

Wind slab (partly covered by snow) is partly lying on a weak old snowpack. There are weak layers in the upper part of the old snowpack as well as deeper down (faceted crystals on crusts). Close to the ground, the snowpack consists of angular, cup-shaped crystals. Snow slabs break mainly within the fresh wind slab and new fallen snow layers, as well as on one of the uppermost weak layers in the persistent weak layer. Under the most unfavourable circumstances, however, a weak layer close to the ground can also be affected.

A striking cold front will pass through during the night. On Thursday, windy and cold north-westerly weather with dense clouds and prolonged snowfall in the north-facing mountains. At 2000 metres around -9 degrees, at 3000 metres around -15 degrees. Brisk to stormy north-westerly winds on the mountains. From Wednesday evening to Thursday evening, 30 cm to 70 cm of new fallen snow.

The avalanche danger remains for the time being or is only slowly decreasing.