Weisseck, Muhr Valley

Snowdrift accumulations steep ridgeline terrain

As a result of intensifying southerly wind, fresh drifts can accumulate on north-facing slopes in high alpine regions. Elsewhere, trigger-sensitivity will recede. At low and intermediate altitudes the snow will become moist.

Snowdrift accumulations steep ridgeline terrain

Avalanche danger above about 2300 m is MODERATE, below that altitude danger is LOW. Danger stems mostly from fresh snowdrift accumulations, mostly on ridgeline slopes, in gullies and bowls, often easily triggered. The frequency of avalanche prone locations increases with ascending altitude. Slabs are generally small-sized, sometimes medium-size where there is more snow. Fractures down to more deeply embedded layers inside the snowpack will be highly rare. Naturally triggered loose-snow avalanches are possible on sun-bathed rocky steep slopes. In isolated cases, small glide-snow avalanches are possible.

Maximum 10-15 cm of fresh snow fell, up to 25 cm in the Goldberg and Glockner Massifs, now blanketing in irregular and shallow old snowpack. Bonding is mostly unfavourable. Strong NW winds generated fresh snowdrifts, deposited them mmostly on east-facing and south-facing slopes and in gullies. The recent warmth has settled the old snow mostly in wind-loaded gullies and bowls of all aspects. On high-alpine shady slopes the layering is unfavourable: a sequence of melt-freeze crusts and faceted crystals and, in isolated cases, embedded hoar. On steep grassy slopes the snowpack glides over the ground.

On Sunday, top visibility, sunshine. In the afternoon thin clouds will move in. Winds will remain light from the south. Temperatures will rise: at 2000 m, -1 degree; at 3000 m, -7 degrees. On Monday, adequate visibility, most of the clouds will be above summit level. Light conditions might be diffuse in the morning. No precipitation. Winds from the south: 30 - 40 km/hr. Temperatures will continue to rise. At 2000 m, +5 degrees; at 3000 m, -1 degree.