Lower Tauern North

Some snowdrifts, small danger zones in the old snow

Some snowdrifts, small danger zones in the old snow

As of about 2000 m, avalanche danger is MODERATE, below that altitude risks are LOW. Two sources of risk for winter sports enthusiasts: easily recognized are the snowdrifts on north-facing and east-facing slopes. A small slab can be unleashed here in steep terrain (as of 35°) even by one sole skier. Second: the old snowpack is of poor quality, particularly on shady slopes. A slab can grow to medium size. Isolated glide cracks appear. Due to the shallow snowpack, glide-snow avalanches will be small.

On Wednesday the snowpack was able to setttle due to the higher temperatures, powder snow is still to be found. The layers of the old snowpack are slowly bonding. But in some high altitude shady areas, weak layers (embedded hoar, faceted crystals beneath a melt-freeze crust) can still be triggered.

On Thursday the peaks of the Northern Alps will be wreathed in heavy clouds, visibility will improve only minimally over the course of the day. In the grassy mountains the day will start with good visibility and lots of sunshine, clouds will move in during the afternoon, generate diffuse light. A light to moderate SW wind will be blowing. At 2000 m: 0 degrees. On Friday, peaks often shrouded in clouds, visibility often limited. Intermittent snowfall in the Northern Alps to start with. In the afternoon, the snowfall will become more frequent further south. A moderate westerly wind will be blowing. At 2000 m: -3 degrees.

Little change is anticipated. Over the next few days, only a few centimetres of snowfall is expected.