Pongau Grass Mountains

Favorable avalanche situation by and large

Favorable avalanche situation by and large

Avalanche danger is low (1). Still latent danger of glide-snow avalanches which can trigger naturally on steep grass-covered slopes, mostly medium-sized, sometimes large-sized. Avoid zones below glide cracks. Naturally triggered loose-snow avalanches can be expected during the course of the day on extremely steep slopes, releases mostly small. Fresh snowdrift accumulations at summit level and in ridgeline terrain above 2000 m are still trigger-prone in some places.

Snowpack layering is favorable by and large, on sunny slopes the fresh snow is already moist, there is a melt-freeze crust capable of bearing loads. On shady slopes at higher altitudes, 10-20 cm of loose snow lies atop a melt-freeze crust. Below 1500 m there is hardly any snow on the ground.

On Thursday it will remain dry, with diffuse light conditions, mild, compact cloudbanks. The foehn will bring bright intervals, esp. in Pinzgau and Pongau. Winds moderate to brisk. At 2000 m: temperatures rising from -3 to 1 degree. Friday: often intensive snowfall, poor visibility all day long. Fresh snow in Northern Alps: 20-40 cm total by Saturday morning, in southern zones up to 50 cm. Winds light to moderate from W/NW, lighter at lower altitudes.

Avalanche danger will increase due to fresh snowfall.