Wölz Tauern South

Weak layers in persistent weak layers remain prone to triggering

Weak layers in persistent weak layers remain prone to triggering

The avalanche risk is still moderate above around 1900 metres and low below. There is still a persistent weak layer problem. The avalanche prone locations are limited but still difficult to recognise. North and east-facing slopes will be blown in again with the south-westerly wind. The avalanche prone locations are mainly on north to east facing slopes above 1900 metres. Slab avalanches can still be triggered by individuals in some places. The slab can tear through to the layer close to the ground.

The snow cover tests carried out today (Friday) have shown that snow slabs can still be triggered on the north and east-facing slopes. The persistent weak layer problem is still present. Surface hoar, angular shapes or a hard old snowpack were covered. In the northern and eastern exposures, the old snowpack continues to be weakened by crusts and layers with faceted crystals and floating snow.

Initially clearing during the night, increasing clouds from the south-west after midnight. The south-westerly wind will become stronger. Lots of clouds on Saturday, the sun will shine through here and there in the morning. The Niedere Tauern and the Turrach will soon be covered in fog with the first light precipitation from midday. Otherwise, the cloud base will descend during the afternoon and the peaks will still be clear in the morning. Towards evening, a cold front moves in from the north-west. It will bring increasing snow showers, freshening north-westerly winds and cooling.

Temperatures will plummet in the night to Sunday with a stormy north-westerly wind. There will be frequent snow showers in Upper Styria, most of them in the Northern Alps. On Sunday, an increase in avalanche danger is expected in the northern Alps and in the Niedere Tauern.