At night in southern regions above 1600m: Danger Level 4 (high) will be reached. Increasing naturally triggered avalanches.
During the night, increasingly frequent naturally avalanches are expected, triggerable in the old snow and on shady slopes where they can grow to large size. In addition, avalanches can be triggered in the near-surface layers by large additional loading, these can often sweep along the thoroughly wet snowpack. Caution urged at the foot of rock walls, behind protruberances, and in gullies and bowls. Activity of small-to-medium loose-snow avalanches will increase significantly. Runout zones should be circumvented. On very steep grass-covered slopes, glide-snow avalanches are possible, also medium sized releases. Some transportation routes can be placed at risk.
Snowpack
dp.6: cold, loose snow and wind dp.1: deep persistent weak layer
Since Wednesday above 1800m, about 50-80 cm of fresh snow has been registered, locally more. Above 1400m 30-50cm of fresh snow still expected. Winds will transport the fresh snow. Fresh snow and drifts are being deposited on shady slopes above 1800m atop an unfavorable old snowpack surface (soft layers). More deeply embedded inside the snowpack, esp. on shady slopes, there are expansively metamorphosed (faceted) weak layers, esp. above 2000m.
Tendency
Naturally triggered dry-snow avalanches will gradually decrease as the snowfall ends. Glide-snow avalanches can trigger at any time of day or night.
Danger level
1800m
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
1800m
Gliding snow
2400m
Persistent weak layer
2000m
Naturally triggered avalanches possible
Fresh snow + moderate to strong southerly winds will generate further snowdrift accumulations, esp. on shady slopes bove 1800m in gullies, bowls, behind protruberances in the terrain, which can be easily triggered or trigger naturally. Isolated danger zones occur on sunny wind-protected slopes above 2000m. In addition, avalanches can be triggered in the near-surface layers by large additional loading, these can often sweep along the thoroughly wet snowpack. Caution urged at the foot of rock walls, behind protruberances, and in gullies and bowls. Activity of small-to-medium loose-snow avalanches will increase significantly. Runout zones should be circumvented. On very steep grass-covered slopes, glide-snow avalanches are possible, also medium sized releases. Some transportation routes can be placed at risk.
Snowpack
dp.6: cold, loose snow and wind dp.2: gliding snow
Since Wednesday above 2000m, about 15-20 cm of fresh snow has been registered, locally more. Above 1600m 20-40cm of fresh snow still expected. Winds will transport the fresh snow. Fresh snow and drifts are being deposited on shady slopes above 1800m atop an unfavorable old snowpack surface (soft layers). More deeply embedded inside the snowpack, esp. on shady slopes, there are expansively metamorphosed (faceted) weak layers, esp. above 2000m.
Tendency
Naturally triggered dry-snow avalanches will gradually decrease as the snowfall ends. Glide-snow avalanches can trigger at any time of day or night.
Danger level
1800m
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
1800m
Persistent weak layer
2000m
Gliding snow
2000m
Avoid snowdrift accumulations
Fresh snow + moderate to strong southerly winds will generate further snowdrift accumulations, esp. on shady slopes bove 1800m in gullies, bowls, behind protruberances in the terrain, which can be easily triggered or trigger naturally. Isolated danger zones occur on sunny wind-protected slopes above 2000m. In addition, avalanches can be triggered in the near-surface layers by large additional loading, these can often sweep along the thoroughly wet snowpack. Caution urged at the foot of rock walls, behind protruberances, and in gullies and bowls. Activity of small-to-medium loose-snow avalanches will increase significantly. Runout zones should be circumvented. On very steep grass-covered slopes, glide-snow avalanches are possible, also medium sized releases. Some transportation routes can be placed at risk.
Snowpack
dp.6: cold, loose snow and wind dp.1: deep persistent weak layer
Since Wednesday above 2000m, about 15-20 cm of fresh snow has been registered, locally more. Above 1600m 20-30cm of fresh snow still expected. Winds are transporting the fresh snow intensively. Fresh snow and drifts are being deposited on shady slopes above 1800m atop an unfavorable old snowpack surface (soft layers).
Tendency
Naturally triggered dry-snow avalanches will gradually decrease as the snowfall ends. Glide-snow avalanches can trigger at any time of day or night.
Danger level
1900m
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
1900m
Fresh snowdrifts demand restraint in route selection
Avalanche danger is considerable above 1900m, below that altitude danger is low. Medium-sized slab avalanches can be triggered by one sole skier in a few steep spots. The difficult-to-recognize (blanketed) danger zones lie on NW/N/E facing slopes, often distant from ridgelines. Caution urged esp. at entry points into very steep gullies and bowls. During the course of the day, naturally triggered loose-snow avalanches can be expected in extremely steep south-facing terrain. On steep grass-covered slopes, isolated small glide-snow avalanches are possible in isolated cases.
Snowpack
Up to 20-30cm of fresh, cold snow was registered, locally more. At night and on Friday, another 10-20 cm of fresh snowfall is anticipated. Transported fresh snow will be deposited on shady slopes atop soft layers. The below-average old snowpack is expansively metamorphosed at high and high-alpine altitudes, but hardly tends towards fracture propagation. On sunny slopes, melting forms dominate in the old snowpack.
Tendency
Fresh snowdrifts are blanketed slightly. Not much change expected.
Danger level
1900m
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
1900m
Persistent weak layer
2000m
Gliding snow
2000m
Due to fresh snow and moderate-velocity southerly winds, trigger-sensitive snowdrift accumulations have been generated esp. in ridgeline terrain, in gullies and bowls, esp. above 2400m. Avalanches can be triggered by persons in the uppermost layers. In addition, isolated avalanches can fracture down to deeper layers of the snowpack and then grow to medium size. In starting zones which have not yet discharged, mostly small wet loose snow avalanches are possible, and can be triggered by winter sports enthusiasts. Caution urged in extremely steep slopes below 2000m. In addition, in the major areas of precipitation, isolated mostly small glide-snow avalanches are possible esp. on extremely steep slopes.
Snowpack
dp.6: cold, loose snow and wind dp.1: deep persistent weak layer
Since Wednesday above 2000m, about 15-20 cm of fresh snow has been registered, locally more. Above 1600m 20-20cm of fresh snow still expected. Winds are transporting the fresh snow intensively. Fresh snow and drifts are being deposited on shady slopes above 2000m atop an unfavorable old snowpack surface (soft layers).
Tendency
Naturally triggered dry-snow avalanches will gradually decrease as the snowfall ends. Glide-snow avalanches can trigger at any time of day or night.
Danger level
1600m
Avalanche Problem
New snow
1600m
In some places, new fallen snow is problematic.
Avalanche danger remains moderate above 1600m; below it is low. Fresh snow is the main problem. Small loose snow avalanches can trigger naturally in steep rocky terrain in all aspects. The frequency of avalanche prone locations increases with ascending altitude. In a few wind-exposed locations small slab avalanches can be triggered by a single winter sports enthusiast. The risks of taking a fall outweigh those of being buried in snow masses. Possibility of smaller glide-snow avalanches on steep slopes over smooth ground.
Snowpack
A stable old snowpack is blanketed by approx. 20cm of new snow. At intermediate altitudes the snow is moist and has bonded will with the old snowpack surface. In places, weak interim layers, partly consisting of graupel, are embeddeed in the new snow. At higher altitude the snow has bonded slab-like in wind-impacted areas adjacent to ridges. In addition, in such areas bonding with the old snowpack is not always good. The snowpack base is wet widespread.
Tendency
Avalanche danger will not change significantly for the time being.
Danger level
1800m
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
1800m
Wet loose-snow avalanches are hardly possible.
Due to fresh snow and strong-to-storm velocity southerly winds, trigger-sensitive snowdrift accumulations have been generated esp. above 1800m on NW/N/NE facing slopes, in gullies and bowls, and behind protruberances in the terrain. Avalanches can grow to medium size, and can be triggered by winter sports enthusiasts.
Snowpack
dp.6: cold, loose snow and wind
Since Wednesday above 1800m, about 10-20 cm of fresh snow has been registered, locally more. Another 15-20cm cm of fresh snow is still expected. Winds are transporting the fresh snow. Fresh snow and drifts are being deposited on shady slopes atop an unfavorable old snowpack surface (soft layers).
Tendency
No significant rise in avalanche danger
Danger level
1900m
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
1900m
Caution: assess fresh drifts carefully
Avalanche danger is moderate above 1900m, below that altitude danger is low. Small slab avalanches can be triggered by one sole skier in a few steep spots. The difficult-to-recognize (blanketed) danger zones lie on NW/N/E facing slopes, often distant from ridgelines. Caution urged esp. at entry points into very steep gullies and bowls. During the course of the day, naturally triggered loose-snow avalanches can be expected in extremely steep south-facing terrain. On steep grass-covered slopes, isolated small glide-snow avalanches are possible in isolated cases.
Snowpack
Up to 15-25cm of fresh, cold snow was registered, locally more. At night and on Friday, another 10-20 cm of fresh snowfall is anticipated. Transported fresh snow will be deposited on shady slopes atop soft layers. The below-average old snowpack is expansively metamorphosed at high and high-alpine altitudes, but hardly tends towards fracture propagation. On sunny slopes, melting forms dominate in the old snowpack.
Tendency
Fresh snowdrifts are blanketed slightly. Not much change expected.
Danger level
1800m
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
1800m
Some new snow.
Avalanche danger above 1.800 m moderate and below 1.800 m low. The main problem is fresh snowdrift. Danger spots are located in the north sector above 1.800 m. Small slab avalanches can be triggered by an alpinist in extremely steep slopes. Caution behind ridgelines.
Snowpack
In the last 24 hours it had 15 to 30 cm new snow. The southern winds drifted the new snow to the northern sector. The peak of precipitation was between Turrach heights and Niedere Tauern. In high altitudes the fresh snowdrift is placed on top of a hard old snow cover or on top of faceted snow. In medium altitudes the snow is on top of meadows.
Tendency
No significant change of the avalanche danger is to expect.
Danger level
2000m
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
2000m
Caution: freshly generated snowdrift accumulations at high altitudes
Fresh snow and drifts are triggerable esp. on steep shady slopes. One sole skier can trigger a small-to-medium loose-snow or slab avalanche. Apart from the danger of being buried in snow masses, the risks of being swept along and forced to take a fall require adequate caution. On steep grass-covered slopes with sufficient snow on the ground or atop smooth ground, isolated small-to-medium glide-snow avalanches are possible.
Snowpack
At high altitudes 15-25 cm of fresh snow was registered by Friday evening. During the night and on Saturday, another 10cm is expected regionally, accompanied by moderate-velocity winds which will deposited fresh snowdrifts atop soft layers on shady slopes, often with blanketed graupel, bonding only moderately good. The below average snowpack is well consolidated. On sunny slopes and at lower altitudes the fresh snow will fall on bare ground.40
Tendency
On Sunday, cool with only a bit of fresh snowfall. Avalanche danger levels not expected to change significantly.
Danger level
treeline
Avalanche Problem
New snow
Treeline
Danger of falling outweighs that of being buried in snow masses
Avalanche danger is low. Isolated small loose-snow naturally triggered avalanches are possible or can be triggered by one sole skier. Danger zones for small slab avalanches in the snowdrifts occur seldom on very steep N/E facing slopes at high altitudes. On steep grass-covered slopes, isolated small glide-snow avalanches are possible.
Snowpack
Atop a shallow, generally stable snowpack, which at intermediate altitudes is already 0 degrees isotherem and on sunny slopes at high altitudes has melt-freeze forms, about 5-15 cm of fresh snow will fall, without much wind impact.
Tendency
Repeated bouts of fresh snowfall, little wind influence.
Danger level
treeline
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
Treeline
Caution: small-area drifts above the timberline
Fresh snow and drifts are trigger-sensitive esp on shady steep slopes, small-to-medium avalanches can be triggered by winter sports enthusiasts in steep terrain. Danger zones occur esp. on ridgeline shady steep slopes and in extremely steep terrain. Apart from the danger of being buried in snow masses, the risks of being swept along and forced to take a fall require adequate caution. On steep grass-covered slopes with sufficient snow on the ground or atop smooth ground, increasingly frequent small-to-medium glide-snow avalanches are possible.
Snowpack
At high altitudes 20-30 cm of fresh snow was registered by Friday evening. During the night and on Saturday, another 5cm is expected regionally, accompanied by moderate-velocity winds which will deposited fresh snowdrifts atop soft layers on shady slopes, often with blanketed graupel, bonding only moderately good. The below average snowpack is well consolidated. On sunny slopes and at lower altitudes the fresh snow will fall on bare ground.
Tendency
On Saturday, only intermittent snow showers. Avalanche danger levels not expected to change significantly.
Danger level
1600m
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
1600m
Snowpack
Tendency
Danger level
1600m
Avalanche Problem
New snow
1600m
New fallen snow not very problematic.
Avalanche danger is low. In isolated cases, new snow can be a problem. Small loose snow slides/sluffs can release spontaneously in steep rocky higher altitude terrain in all aspects. At high altitudes it cannot be ruled out that a single person engaged in winter sports triggers a small slab avalanche in wind-exposed places.
Snowpack
A stable old snowpack is blanketed by approx. 10cm of new snow. At intermediate altitudes the snow is moist and has bonded well with the old snowpack surface. At higher altitudes the snow has bonded slab-like in wind-impacted areas adjacent to ridges and can be prone to triggering. The snowpack base is wet widespread.
Tendency
Avalanche danger is not expected to change significantly over the weekend.
Danger level
Avalanche Problem
Wet snow
Wind slab
2200m
Snowdrift. Caution in the northern sector!
Avalanche danger is in general low. In high altitudes fresh snowdrift deposits are formed in the northern expositions. These can be triggered by an alpinist.
Snowpack
In the last 48 hours up to 30 cm of new snow has landed. The highest amounts of new snow are in the area of Niedere Tauern. The new snow covers the stable snow base. The southern winds drifted the new snow to the northern sector. The fresh snowdrift is placed on top of a hard snow cover or on top of faceted snow.
Tendency
No significant change of the avalanche danger is to expect. Weather for Sunday: predominantly cloudy. It can clear up a little bit in the area of Niedere Tauern but elsewhere it will stay cloudy. The higher summits are foggy and the visibility is poor. High amounts of new snow are not to expect.
