Lower Tauern South

Head shallow-snow zones and transitions

Head shallow-snow zones and transitions

Avalanche danger above 2000 m is MODERATE (2), below that altitude danger is LOW (1). Caution urged in shallow-snow zones on shady north-facing slopes and in high alpine steep terrain, where large additional loading can trigger a hidden persistent weak layer. The older snowdrift masses from the recent northerly wind can sometimes be triggered by large additional loading, i.e. if the fresher drifts trigger. Potential avalancahes can grow to medium size. Most danger zones occur in E/S/W facing slopes distant from ridges and in steep gullies.

Hardened surfaces dominate. There is only a small amount of fresh snow, transported by strong N/NW winds, generating thin, instable snowdrift patches which now cover the somewhat firmer snowdrifts from the early part of the week. The old snowpack has settled well, is topped by a firm melt-freeze crust. Inside the old snowpack are soft layers of faceted crystals, which in unfavorable circumstances could provide a fracture point for slab avalanches.

On Sunday, low lying residual cloud will disperse, along with the fogbanks, in the morning. Then follows unimpeded sunshin. At 2000 m: -4 degrees. On Monday, sunshine and outstanding visibility. Cold. Northerly winds will intensify somewhat in high-altitude zones.

Little change.