Seetaler Alps

Fresh snowdrift accumulations

Fresh snowdrift accumulations

Avalanche danger in the Gurktal and Seetal Alps is considerable. Due to storm winds, avalanche prone locations increased in number in the Gurktal and Seetal Alps. West-facing slopes were wind-loaded by the stormy easterly winds. An atypical situation. In addition, on shady slopes older cold snowdrifts can be triggered by winter sports enthusiasts. Slabe avalanches can fracture down to more deeply embedded layers inside the snowpack. Naturally triggered wet slides are possible.

In the Seetal Alps and in the Gurktal Alps, 10-30 cm of fresh snow has been registered. Fresh snow and drifts lie deposited atop an unfavourably faceted snowpack. On north-facing slopes the expansive metamorphosis weakens the snowpack enormously. Due to higher temperatures the snow at intermediate altitudes was moistened. The snowpack was able to settle somewhat.

A low over Italy is scooping moist air masses into Styria. Weather conditions are inhospitable. During the night, a bit of snowfall, snowfall level will fluctuate between 500 and 900 m. On Tuesday widespread snowfall on the southern flank of the Alps. In the northern regions snowfall will soon taper off, but fog and clouds will persist until sundown. Moderate to brisk NE winds (30-50 km/hr). At 2000 m, -3 degrees. Up to 10-20 cm of fresh snow is expected, focus in the southern Niedere Tauern. On Wednesday, sunny weather will reign.

Slightly diminished danger of avalanches is expected.