Lower Tauern North

Snowdrift accumulations: assess with caution

Snowdrift accumulations: assess with caution

Avalanche danger above 1600 m is moderate, below that altitude danger is low. Danger zones from fresh snowdrifts occur esp. on steep N/W facing slopes and should be consequently avoided. In some places, a slab avalanche can be triggered by 1 person and grow to medium size. Older danger zones occur esp. in steep ridgeline terrain (>30°). Naturally triggered loose-snow avalanches are possible on extremely steep slopes due to solar radiation. Danger of naturally triggered glide-snow avalanches persists. Where snow is deep enough, they can reach medium size. Avoid zones below glide cracks.

The snowpack surface is lavishly covered with surface hoar where the terrain is wind-protected. The loose recent snowfall from the weekend has been transported by SE winds. Large crystals and surface hoar have formed a weak layer, the drifts constitute the slab. On sunny slopes the loose fresh snow crystals on the crust atop the old snowpack constitute a potential weak layer. Where the snowpack gets warmed by solar radiation and settles, a slab can form. The old snowpack is largely stable but the weight of fresh snow reinforces the tendency of the entire snowpack to glide downhill over the warm ground.

On Wednesday night, clear skies and little wind, the NE rim will have some fog. On Thursday, brilliant sunshine, top visibility, a few clouds from the NE in the afternoon. Winds will be light. At 2000 m: -3 degrees, at 3000 m: -7 degrees.

On Friday, intensifying winds will generate new snowdrift accumulations.