Lower Tauern South

Unfavourable conditions in foehn-impacted lanes

Unfavourable conditions in foehn-impacted lanes

A treacherous snowdrift situation: danger above the treeline is CONSIDERABLE, below that altitude danger is MODERATE. Wind impact and unfavourable layering of the old snow have created many avalanche prone locations, frequency and spread of these danger zones increasing with ascending altitude. Triggering a medium-to-large slab avalanche is possible even by the weight of one single skier. Also naturally triggered avalanches are possible on steep slopes which have been heavily wind-loaded by foehn wind. At intermediate and low altitudes on steep grass-covered slopes, naturally triggered glide-snow avalanches are possible. Caution and restraint are required in all aspects, but as a result of southerly foehn wind particularly the NW/N/NE aspects are treacherous. Due to windblown terrain and the generally rough ground surface in backcountry touring regions, avalanche prone locations are easy to underestimate.

The most recent cold fresh snow was transported by intensifying NW winds. Through the higher temperatures and southerly foehn wind on Wednesday, wide ranging snowdrift accumulations will be generated, deposited on top of loose and cold snow, which will be easily triggerable. Above 2200 m, particularly in northern aspects, there are thin, soft layers beneath the melt-freeze crust (old-snow problem) which can be triggered by large additional loading, i.e. by a superficial triggering.

On Wednesday, high-altitude clouds will veil the sun repeatedly, summits will mostly remain free. Intermittent sunshine is possible. At high altitudes from Steinberge to the Gosaukamm, strong SW winds will be blowing. It will be noticeably milder: temperatures at 2000 m between -4 and -1 degree; at 3000 m at -7 degrees. On Thursday, visibility in the mountains will initially be reduced due to heavy cloud and snowfall. During the course of the day, conditions will improve, dry weather is anticipated in the afternoon with somewhat better visibility. A moderate to brisk W/NW wind will be blowing. Temperatures at 2000 m: -9 degrees; at 3000 m: -15 degrees.

No significant change in avalanche danger levels is anticipated. Still a treacherous snowdrift situation on Thursday.