Beware trigger-sensitive snowdrifts in high-alpine zones, wet-snow problem lower down
Avalanche danger above 2800m is CONSIDERABLE, below that altitude danger is moderate. In high-alpine zhones on wind-loaded shady slopes, in shady gullies and bowls, dry-snow slab avalanches can be triggered even by one sole skier. In isolated cases, avalanches in the old snow can fracture down to deeper layers and grow to medium size. On steep slopes below 2800m which have not yet discharged, naturally triggered avalanches can release due to solar radiation and grown to medium size, or else be trigger b persons. Also isolated small-to-medium glide-snow avalanches are possible.
Snowpack
The snowpack is compact, moist or wet up to high altitutudes, contains melt-freeze crusts, weak layers are isolated but occur above 2500m. In high-alpine zones, 20cm of fresh fallen snow (Venediger Massif) lie deposited atop the wind-impacted snowpack. Southerly winds have formed snowdrift accumulations there, often deposited atop faceted expansively metamorphosed crystals and prone to triggering in places. Higher daytime temperatures and solar raditaion moisten the snowpack and cause firmness to be forfeited.
Tendency
On Easter Monday, moderate snowdrift problem following a night of intermittently clear skies. Loss of firmness in the morning.
Danger level
Avalanche Problem
Wet snow
Wind slab
2600m
Hardly any cold reserves following a cloudy night
Avalanche danger is moderate. In a few places on steep slopes which have not yet discharged, small-to-medium moist/wet avalanches can trigger naturally, esp. when windows of sunshine are more extended, or be triggered by winter sports enthusiasts. In isolated cases, small-to-medium glide-snow avalanches are possible. Above 2600m in the Tauern regions on wind-loaded slopes, in shady terrain and in gullies and bowls, small dry-snow slab avalanches can be triggered by minimum additional loading.
Snowpack
The snowpack is compact, moist or wet up to high altitutudes, contains melt-freeze crusts, weak layers are isolated but occur above 2500m. In high-alpine zones, 20cm of fresh fallen snow (Venediger Massif) lie deposited atop the wind-impacted snowpack. Southerly winds have formed snowdrift accumulations there, often deposited atop faceted expansively metamorphosed crystals and prone to triggering in places. Higher daytime temperatures and solar raditaion moisten the snowpack and cause firmness to be forfeited.
Tendency
No significant change expected. Slopes are rapidly becoming bare of snow.
BEFORE NOON Danger level
2600m
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
2600m
Wet snow
AFTERNOON Danger level
2600m
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
2600m
Wet snow
Isolated medium-sized wet-snow and glide-snow avalanches
Avalanche danger is initially low, then rises to moderate. In a few places on steep slopes below 2800m, small-to-medium moist/wet avalanches can trigger naturally, or be triggered by winter sports enthusiasts. In isolated cases, small-to-medium glide-snow avalanches are possible. In the Hohe Tauern above 2800m in wind loaded shady terrain, in shady gullies and bowls, dry-snow slab avalanches can be triggered by minimum additional loading. In isolated cases avalanches can fracture down to deeper layers and then grow to medium size.
Snowpack
The still evident snowpack below 2000m has turned to summer-firn snow. Even above that altitude the snow is moist or wet, contains melt-freeze crusts, though the overall somepack is quite compact. In places, there are a few cm of fresh snow deposited atop this old snowpack surface. In high-alpine zones, storm-strength southerly foehn winds have transported the snow in places. In shady aspects above 2800m, faceted expansively metamorphosed old snow constitutes a potential weak layer. Higher daytime temperatures and solar radiation moisten the snowpack and cause it to lose its firmness.
Tendency
Springtime situation: slight daytime danger cycle due to wet-snow avalanche activity. Snowdrift problem receding.
Danger level
Avalanche Problem
Wet snow
Isolated danger zones for wet-snow avalanches
Avalanche danger is low. In isolated cases, small glide-snow or wet-snow avalanches can release in steep terrain which has not yet discharged or it can be triggered by persons.
Snowpack
On sunny slopes, the ground is becoming bare. What little snow there is, is moist-to-wet (0-degree isotherm) and often forms a crust capable of bearing loads after a night of clear skies. Daytime warming and solar radiation soften the crust and make it forfeit its firmness.
Tendency
Slight daytime danger cycle (wet-snow activity) within the same Danger Level. Compared to recent days, loss of firmness will set in earlier in the day.
