Lower Tauern South

Transitions from shallow to deeper snow: assess them critically

Transitions from shallow to deeper snow: assess them critically

Avalanche danger above 1600 m is MODERATE, below that altitude danger is LOW. Main danger stems from snowdrifts generated this week. A slab (in isolated cases from minimum additional loading) can be generally triggered in N/E aspects from large additional loading. Most delicate is the situation in transitions from shallow to deep snow, wince here the weak layer does not lie as deeply embedded in the snowpack (border to old snow). In sunny, rocky, steep terrain naturally triggered loose-snow avalanches can release. On grassy slopes isolated glide-snow avalanches are possible.

The heavy snowfall at the beginning of the week has been able to settle in the sunny, tranquil weather which followed. Potential fracture points for slab avalanches lie beneath the pressed snow in exposed zones at the border to the old snowpack (soft, faceted crystals) and inside the fresh snow itself.

On Sunday, good visibility, occasional sunshine. Cloudbanks will pass through above summit level, creating diffuse light conditions. Winds will be light to moderate, brisk at high altitudes, from the west. At 2000 m: -2 degrees; at 3000 m: -9 degrees. On Monday, poor visibility, stormy winds, snowfall. At the high summits winds will reach 100 km/hr. Fresh snow: 20 - 50 cm. At 2000 m: -10 degrees; at 3000 m: -18 degrees.

On Monday avalanche danger levels will increase due to fresh snow and storm winds.