Tennen Mountains, Gosaukamm

High proneness to triggering of the snowpack

High proneness to triggering of the snowpack

Avalanche danger above the timberline is HIGH (Danger Level 4). Below that altitude danger is CONSIDERABLE. On Friday night, naturally triggered avalanche activity will intensify as a result of fresh snowfall and storm-strength winds. By early morning, large, in isolated cases very large naturally triggered avalanches are possible. As the snowfall slackens off, this activity will also ease. The snowpack remains highly prone to triggering, however. One single person can easily trigger avalanches on steep slopes in all aspects above the treeline, including large-sized ones. Danger zones are numerous, and not possible to recognize. Remote triggerings and isolated naturally triggered avalanches are still possible. Also below the treeline, avalanches can often be easily triggered and grow to medium size. On steep grass-covered slopes, naturally triggered glide-snow avalanches are possible.

There has been 60 to 80 cm of fresh snow registered widespread, more from place to place. NW winds were blowing mostly at strong velocity. By Saturday morning, another 30 to 50 cm will be added to that. Winds will be stormy over widespread areas. The fresh snow and freshly generated snowdrift accumulations are prone to triggering. The lowermost part of the snowpack is compact and consolidated.

On Saturday, snowfall throughout the morning hours, sometimes heavy, later the snowfall will ease although many peaks will remain shrouded in clouds. At high altitudes above all else, stormy winds - on the Main Tauern Ridge gale-strength winds - from the northwest will be blowing. At 2000 m: -8 degrees; at 3000 m: -12 degrees.

It will remain dry, but stormy winds will prevail on the Main Alpine Ridge, then slacken off during the daytime hours. The snowpack will slowly consolidate, avalanche danger levels recede incrementally.