Moderate to considerable avalanche danger above 1.600 m. The main problem is the fresh snowdrift, danger spots are located distant from ridgelines. Snowdrift deposits emerge adjacent to ridgelines, in gullies and bowls and can also occur below the treeline. Medium sized slab avalanches can be triggered by low additional loads.
Snowpack
On Monday cold new snow has landed on wet snow or - in higher altitudes - powder snow. In westerly Northalps 40 cm new snow is expected for Christmas which can be transported due to stormy winds. The summits can be blown-off but driftsnow can accumulate below treeline. Soft layers within the snowdrift and poor bonding to the old snow base can be weak layers.
Tendency
For now no significant change of the avalanche danger. On 26th a slow settling duetting warming is expected.
Danger level
1700m
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
1700m
Some snowdrift in higher altitudes!
Moderate avalanche danger above 1.700 m. Rising danger spots due to stormy winds which are located in gullies and bowls above 1.600 m in the sectors east to south. Slab avalanches can be triggered with small additional loads.
Snowpack
In the southern Styrian mountains and easternmost alps the snowcover is still thin. New snow has landed on surface hoar - in sunny slopes on grass. The snow base is thicker in gullies and bowls due to transported snow. Possible weak layers within snowdrift as soft layers. Blown-off areas are hard and icy.
Tendency
Avalanche danger will not decrease before 26th.
Danger level
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
Little snowdrift in higher altitudes.
Low Avalanche danger. Slightly increasing danger spots due to stormy winds and snow drift which are located in gullies and bowls above 1.600 m mainly in the sectors east to south. Slab avalanches can be triggered with high additional loads.
Snowpack
In the southern Styrian mountains and easternmost alps the snowcover is still thin. New snow has landed on surface hoar - in sunny slopes on grass. The snow base is thin without significant weak layers. Blown-off areas are hard and icy.
