Seetaler Alps

CONSIDERABLE avalanche danger. Trigger-sensitive snowdrifts below the treeline

CONSIDERABLE avalanche danger. Trigger-sensitive snowdrifts below the treeline

Avalanche danger above the timberline is CONSIDERABLE (Dankger Level 3). Avalanche prone locations lie in N/E/S facing terrain. Snowdrift acumulations ie deposited near ridgleines in steep gullies and bowls as well as behind abrupt discontinuities in the terrain well down below the treeline and in sparsely wooded zones. Slabs can trigger even by the weight of one sole person. On sunny slopes, loose-snow avalanches are possible in steep rough and rocky terrain. On steep grass-covered slopes, naturally triggered glide-snow avalanches are possible.

During the last few day the stormy NW winds have transported the fresh snow massively. Weak layers in the fresh drifts and in transitions to the loose fresh snow are highly prone to triggering. More deeply embedded inside the snowpack are layers of faceted crystals bordering against melt-freeze crusts which weaken the entire snow cover. Due to dropping temperatures the moistened snowpack stabilized down to lower altitudes.

On Monday, cold northerly winds will bring widespread cloudbanks, but the peaks will mostly remain free (clouds above summit level). Sunshine will often be hampered. Later in the day, particularly in the rimline ranges and the Northern Alps, low-lying foglike clouds will move in. Winds will be northerly at 20-35 km/hr. At 2000 m: -12 degrees.

Tuesday will be quite sunny, but cold. Avalanche danger will decrease.