Lower Tauern South

Snowdrift problem increases with ascending altitude

Snowdrift problem increases with ascending altitude

Avalanche danger above 2300 m is CONSIDERABLE, below that altitude danger is moderate. The fresh snowdrifts can in many places on NW/N/S facing slopes be triggered as medium-sized avalanches even by 1 person. Danger zones swiftly increase with ascending altitude both in frequency and in size, occur mostly behind discontinuties (also distant from ridges) and in steep gullies and bowls. In addition, the danger of naturally triggered glide-snow avalanches persists below 2600 m. Small-to-medium naturally triggered loose-snow avalanches can be expected in extremely steep terrain due to solar radiation.

The 10-20 cm of fresh snow from Friday night is bonding well with the moist snowpack surface, the fresh snowdrifts will be prone to triggering only for a short time. In some places, fractures can occur down to more deeply embedded layers of the snowpack, also fractures down to soft layers near older drifts are possible. Below 1800 m the rain impact is reducing the firmness of the snowpack, reinforced gliding snow activity is being observed on steep grass-covered slopes.Small-to-medium naturally triggered loose-snow avalanches can be expected in extremely steep terrain due to solar radiation.

On Friday evening a cold front will pass through bringing heavy rainfall/snowfall above 1500 m. By midnight the snowfall level will drop to 700 m. The latter part of the night will be dry. About 10 cm of fresh snow is expected. The NW winds will intensify temporarily (at 2000 m, 90 km/hr), slackening off in the latter part of the night. On Saturday, residual clouds will swiftly disperse, the sun will take over. At 2000 m: -7 to -3 degrees.

On Saturday, naturally triggered avalanches (loose snow) in sun-drenched terrain. Persistent snowdrift problem in high-alpine areas.