Mürztal Alps

In isolated cases: still trigger-prone snowdrift accumulations

In isolated cases: still trigger-prone snowdrift accumulations

Danger zones for slab avalanches occur esp. in steep ridgeline terrain and on laterally wind-loaded slopes (discontinuities, precipices in the terrain) above the treeline in all aspects, releases mostly by large additional loading, by 1 person in isolated cases. Apart from that, fresh snow on very steep zones can glide, esp. if there is more snowfall/rainfall, small-to-medium glide-snow avalanches possible.

Along the Styrian rimline ranges and in Gurktal/Seetal Alps, up to 60 cm of fresh snow has been registered since Monday night. With ascending snowfall levels the snow became moist and heavy, above the treeline it remained loose. Despite only moderate, variable winds, snowdrifts have accumulated in all aspects, potential weak layers in the form of soft layering are possible. Outside of that, on slopes which were previously bare of snow, bonding to the warm ground is poor.

On Thursday the perturbances will diminish, weather improve slightly, clouds slowly begin to disperse, and typical April weather will return: sunshine, clouds...and graupel showers. Air masses are initially still cold. At 2000 m: -5 degrees; at 1500 m: -1 degree. On Friday the air current will shift to southwesterly, it will become warmer. Styrian mountain weather will remain capricious with sunny phases, also convective cloud build-up over the summits and ridges.

Diminishing slab danger due to settling of the snowpack (warmth/radiation).