Beware trigger-sensitive snowdrifts in high-alpine zones, wet-snow problem lower down
Avalanche 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, fresh fallen snow lies 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
Proneness to triggering of high-alpine snowdrifts will further recede. Nocturnal outgoing radiation wil improve Tuesday night.
Danger level
2800m
Avalanche Problem
Wet snow
2800m
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 compact snowpack is moist/wet up to high altitudes even in early morning, i.e. wet weak layers in the old snow are only evident in isolated cases above 2600m. In high-alpine zones, a melt-freeze crdust of settled often wind-impacted snow forms. Due to solar radiation and regional rainfall up to high altitudes, the snowpack is forfeiting its firmness.
Tendency
On Wednesday, more marked daytime danger cycle of naturally triggered avalanches due to previously improved nocturnal outgoing radiation.
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
On Wednesday, more marked daytime danger cycle of naturally triggered avalanches due to previously improved nocturnal outgoing radiation.
