Lower Tauern Central

Current avalanche situation demands high restraint in outlying terrain from winter sports enthusiasts

Persistent weak layer and trigger-sensitive snowdrifts demand high restraint in outlying terrain from winter sports enthusiasts

Avalanche danger above 2200m is considerable, below that altitude danger is moderate. Avalanches can be triggered even by minimum additional loading above the treeline, particularly in gullies and bowls and behind protruberances in the landscape in all aspects. Above 2200m avalanches can be triggered from more deeply embedded layers inside the snowpack and often grow to large size, esp. on W/N/E facing slopes. Settling noises and glide-craeks are indicators of danger, remote triggerings possible. As a result of solar radiation, naturally triggered, generally small-sized loose-snow avalanches can be expected on extremely steep sunny slopes.

The fresh snow has been transported far-reachingly. Exposed ridges and crests are windblown, gullies and bowls are filled to the brim. Inside the fresh and older drifts there are weak near-surface layers. Above 2000m the snowdrifts often lie atop faceted crystals near crusts. On wind-protected shady slopes above the treeline there is often surface hoar. Above 2200m the snowpack layering is unfavorable, with several weak layers of faceted crystals. The entire snowpack can glide over steep rock plates or grassy slopes.

Splendid winter weather will prevail in the mountains, hardly any clouds, only light winds. At high altitudes, very mild: at 2000m -1 to +4 degrees; at 3000m -3 to 0 degrees. The nocturnal hours will enjoy clear, star-studded skies, only light winds. Some high fog could form in isolated spots.

The proneness to triggering of snowdrift accumulations will gradually diminish. The persistent weak layer will remain.