Ybbstaler Alpen

Wet snow problem at the bottom, wind slab problem at the top

Wet snow problem at the bottom, wind slab problem at the top

The avalanche danger is predominantly categorised as considerable. Due to some intense snowfall and wind, there will be additional wind slab avalanches in the higher elevations. The triggering of medium to rarely large slab avalanches is possible to likely on some steep slopes due to low additional loads. Due to the local old snow problem, the snowpack can tear through to deeper layers. Above the tree line, medium to sometimes large spontaneous slab avalanches are possible. Spontaneous wet snow avalanches are to be expected below the snowfall level due to heavy rainfall.

In the last 24 hours, up to 40 cm of new fallen snow, the largest amounts in the Ybbstal Alps, fell with strongly changing snowfall levels. Stormy winds led to extensive drifting. The connection between the drift snow layer and the old snowpack is often insufficient. Prone to triggering weak layers in the form of snow deposits of varying hardness also exist in the bound layer in places. At shady high altitudes, the old snowpack is unfavourably structured in places with crusts and embedded faceted crystals. At medium altitudes, the snow is moist or wet. Warming and incoming radiation lead to soaking, decreasing firmness and destabilisation up to higher altitudes. The snowpack can start to glide snow on steep grass and forest slopes.

With the influence of high pressure, the high-altitude current will slowly turn to the south-west. Thursday night will often be clear and frost-free at high altitudes. On Thursday, sunny weather will prevail most of the time. However, this will not be completely undisturbed, as a few veil clouds will pass over the sky. Temperatures at 2000 metres will be between +4 and +6 degrees, at 1000 metres between +7 and +11 degrees. The north-westerly wind will be moderate on the mountains and strong in places during the daytime changes.

The avalanche situation remains tense.