Lower Tauern Central

Older snowdrifts in gullies

Older snowdrifts in gullies

Danger of avalanches is MODERATE above the timberline, LOW below that altitude. In very steep terrain below 2200 m, isolated naturally triggered glide-snow avalanches up to medium size are possible. Above the treeline there is moderate danger of slab avalanches. Avalanche prone locations focus on gullies in all aspects and wind-loaded steep slopes, increasingly in NW/E/S aspects. Triggering a small-to-medium sized slab avalanche there is possible especially by large additional loading, e.g. by a fall or stamping in the snow.

Warmth, rainfall (light drizzle up to 2700 m in places) and the subsequent cooling of the snowpack have led to a re-gain in firmness up to intermediate altitudes, the moistened snowpack is now superficially melt-freeze encrusted. The snowpack is gliding over steep, smooth grass-covered slopes over the ground, however, Above the treeline there are older snowdrifts in gullies and bowls which is now blanketed by a few centimetres of settled new snow (at high altitudes of the Tennen Massif and Gosaukamm, up to 10-20 cm). At higher altitudes in wind-protected terrain the loose old snow can serve as a weak layer beneath the lightly bonded fresh snow which has recently been deposited on top of it.

On Friday, visibility above the valley fog will be adequate. On the Main Tauern Ridge the northerly wind will intensify during the daytime and reach storm strength; in the Northern Alps the wind will disturb only in exposed summmit terrain. At 3000 m: -4 degrees; at 1500 m: +2 degrees.Similar weather conditions to Saturday: on Sunday, good visibility above the high fog. On the Main Ridge, stormy NW winds. At 3000 m: -5 degrees; at 2000 m: -2 degrees.

Little change.