Lower Tauern South

Loss of firmness as soon as the sun comes out

Loss of firmness as soon as the sun comes out

Avalanche danger above 2500m is MODERATE, below that altitude danger is LOW. In sun-drenched steep terrain small-to-medium wet loose-snow avalanches are possible in some sponts, either naturally or skier-caused. Also glide-snow avalanxches (medium to large) are possible in steep grassy terrain. Very few danger zones exist in transitions where snow is shallow in shady steep terrain (persistent weak layer). There, large additional loading could trigger a slab which could grow to medium size.

At low and intermediate altitudes the moistened snowpack is initially breakable or has a melt-freeze crust capable of bearing loads. During the day it softens, depending on gradient and aspect, on steep sunny slopes it forfeits its firmness. On very steep grassy slopes the snowpack glides over the ground. At high altitudes there are a few cm of fresh snow, moistened by the solar radiation. Inside the still compact old snowpack there are faceted, soft layers (persistent weak layer) but these are currently unlikely to trigger.

Thursday night will be heavily overcast, but dry. On Friday, heavy clouds will often impede the sun, but bring no precipitation (higher peaks in fog). As of midday, more sunshine, although impaired due to Sahara dust. Moderate N/NE winds. At 2000 m: -2 to +1 degree, at 3000m: -9 degrees. On Saturday, frequent sunshine til midday following frequently clear nights. In the afternoon, convective cloud build-up in some places, possibly cloaking the summits in fog. At 2000m: -3 to -1 degree; at 3000 m, -9 degrees.

On Saturday, daytime avalanche danger cycle. The melt-freeze will transform to firn.