Lower Tauern North

Be aware of the problem of old snow at high altitudes

Be aware of the problem of old snow at high altitudes

The avalanche danger is moderate above 2200 metres and low below. The main problem is old snow. In the north-west to north-east sector, slab avalanches can be triggered in some places by even a small additional load. Avalanches can occasionally be of medium size if the snow thickness is sufficient. Small sliding snow avalanches can occur spontaneously above 1800 metres.

The snow surface is often still loose at high altitudes. In the central part of the snowpack, weak layers of angular crystals have formed between the fresh snow packs of the past week. In small areas, surface frost may also have been snowed in. On the sunny side, the snow cover has settled well up to high altitudes and may slide off the ground.

After a clear night, it may snow and rain lightly and unproductively at times from dense clouds on Saturday, especially in the northern Alps. Light and unproductive precipitation is also possible from dense clouds in the Hohe Tauern region. The snow line will rise from around 1000 to around 1500 metres during the course of the day. The wind will remain weak. At 2000 metres the temperature will be around -2 degrees Celsius, at 3000 metres around -6 degrees Celsius. For Sunday, there will be sunshine with veil clouds until midday. In the afternoon, increasingly dense clouds will gather. With light winds, the temperature at 2000 metres will be around 2 degrees, at 3000 metres around -4 degrees Celsius.

The problem of old snow at altitude remains.