Weisseck, Muhr Valley

Danger will rise to HIGH (4) as early as morning above 2500m, below that altitude danger is CONSIDERABLE (3). In extremely steep terrain, small-to-medium naturally triggered loose-snow avalanches are possible. There are many danger zones for slab avalanches where even one person can trigger a release which can grow to medium size. Danger zones occur in all aspects, particularly in steep gullies and bowls. The avalanche prone locations are nearly impossible to recognize, making touring possibilities much reduced, also due to poor visibility.

The most recent snowfall has settled due to higher temperatures. It is at least moist up to 2200m, also due to sprinkling rainfall. Atop this as temperatures drop, heavy snowfall will now be deposited and bond well to the base. On the Main Tauern Ridge fresh snowdrifts have accumulated due to storm-strength southerly foehn winds, these will now be blanketed over by fresher snow. Intensifying W/NW winds will generate new snowdrifts over the course of the day which will be deposited on a loosely-packed and cold base: prone to triggering!

Friday night will bring intensive snowfall down to low lying areas. By Saturday morning, 20-50 cm is expected, amid ever colder temperatures and only little wind impact. On Saturday the snowfall will continue, visibility will often be severely reduced. By evening, another 10-20 cm will be added. Starting at midday, W/NW winds will begin to transport the snow. Temperatures will drop: at 2000 m from -6 to -12 degrees; at 3000m from -8 to -18 degrees. On Sunday, good visibility and sunshine, with possibility of some fog in the morning. The NW winds will slacken off significantly during the daytime. Slightly higher temperatures. At 2000 m from -15 to -10 degrees; at 3000m -17 degrees.

A treacherous situation on Sunday. Backcountry tours make experience in assessing avalanche danger imperative. We advise great restraint. The first day of beautiful weather is frequently full of accidents.