Weisseck, Muhr Valley

Weak layers in old snow are the main danger

Weak layers in old snow are the main danger

The avalanche danger is moderate above 2400 metres and low below. The main problem is old snow. In the sectors from west to north to east, slab avalanches can be triggered in some places by even a small additional load. Avalanches can tear through to deeper weak layers and become medium sized if the snow is thick enough. Small slab avalanches can also be triggered in fresh drift snow, especially in west, north and east exposures above 2200 metres. The few danger spots are located close to the main ridge. Below 2800 m, mainly small sliding snow avalanches can occur spontaneously.

The snow surface is often loose on the shaded side. In the upper part of the snowpack, fresh snow that has blown over close to the ridge can form a weak layer. In the middle part of the snowpack, weak layers of angular crystals have formed between the fresh snow packs of the past week. At high altitudes, angular crystals can also be found at the transition to the compact old snow foundation and occasionally near the ground. On the sunny side, the snow cover has settled far up and may have hardened in the morning.

On Monday morning, it will snow in the northern Alps with a snow line of around 1000 metres. The clouds will be thick everywhere until midday, then clear up in the afternoon and the sun will shine at times. The wind will be mostly weak, with moderately strong southerly winds in the open high areas of the Tauern. At 2000 metres the temperature will be -4 to -1 degrees Celsius, at 3000 metres around -7 degrees Celsius.

The problem of old snow remains at altitude.