The avalanche danger is low. Old snow is problematic in places. At high altitudes, small slab avalanches can occasionally be triggered in very steep terrain in northern exposures with high additional loads.
In addition, individual, small sliding snow avalanches can be triggered on extremely steep sunny slopes with smooth ground that have not yet been discharged.
Snowpack
The snow surface has hardened up to the highest altitudes. It softens in the sun during the course of the day. Under the snow cover, the accumulating transformation is progressing, especially on shady slopes. Above 2000 m, the upper half metre of the snow cover on the shaded side is still partially covered with snow. However, snowpack tests show that large-scale break propagation is no longer to be expected. The base of the snowpack is partially wet. On the south side, the ground is increasingly pitting in the middle layers.
Tendency
Little change in the problem.
Danger level
Avalanche Problem
Gliding snow
Persistent weak layer
2200m
Falls and stones are the main danger.
The avalanche danger is low. Small sliding snow avalanches are possible from very steep, not yet discharged grass mat terrain. Isolated danger spots for small slab avalanches (old snow problem) are possible in shady high areas in very steep gullies and hollows.
Snowpack
The snow depth is well below average for the time of year, low elevations are widely bare. The snow surface is hardened and softens a little during the day at medium altitudes, and also at high altitudes on the sunny side. Inside, the snow cover is moist to wet right up to high altitudes. In shady, high and high alpine locations, there are still isolated weak layers of angular crystals in the snowpack.
Avalanches can be triggered in the persistent weak layer in isolated cases above about 2400m on very steep shady slopes. These releases usually are small-sized. The risks of injuries from being forced to take a fall outweigh those of being buried in snow masses. As a result of daytime warming and solar radiation, isolated, generally small-sized glide-snow avalanches are still possible on steep smooth slopes which have not yet discharged. Glide cracks are signals of possibly imminent danger.
Snowpack
During a night of star-studded skies during which outgoing radiation will function to perfection, a breakable-to-capable of bearing loads crust can be generated once again. During the course of the day, it softens up particularly on sunny slopes and at lower altitudes. On shady high-altitude slopes above 2400m, isolated weak layers occur inside the snowpack.
Tendency
As a result of foehn winds in the southern regions on Tuesday, heavily clouded skies, little sunshine. Ongoing low avalanche danger.
Danger level
The icy snow surface only softens in the sun.
The avalanche danger is low. Small sliding snow avalanches can occasionally occur on extremely steep, smooth sunny slopes.
Snowpack
The snow surface has solidified in many places. It softens in the sun as the day progresses. The snowpack base is partly wet. The ground is increasingly pitting on the south side.
Tendency
The avalanche danger remains low.
Danger level
2500m
Avalanche Problem
Persistent weak layer
2500m
Gliding snow
2400m
Individual sliding snow avalanches, isolated danger spots in old snow
The risk of avalanches is low, the risk of falling or injury from rocks is greater than the risk of burial.
There are isolated danger spots for slab avalanches at high altitudes (old snow problem). This mainly affects extremely steep, shady slopes, especially gullies and hollows that have been blown in. In a few places, mainly small avalanches can be triggered by people.
Small sliding snow avalanches are possible from very steep, not yet unloaded grass mat terrain.
Snowpack
The surface is dominated by (fractured) hardpack or crusts, which soften a little on the sunny side during the day. At shady high altitudes, there are angular crystals within the snowpack near the crusts, which can occasionally serve as a weak layer. Below this, the snowpack is stable and sometimes glides on a smooth surface. The snow depths at all altitudes are well below the expected long-term values, and on the sunny side it is snow-free far up.
Tendency
A strong southerly foehn will blow in the Tauern on Tuesday. However, the potential for dispersion is low and limited to high alpine areas.
Danger level
Avalanche Problem
Gliding snow
Not much snow. Low avalanche danger.
As a result of daytime warming and solar radiation, isolated small-sized glide-snow avalanches are still possible on steep, smooth slopes which have not yet discharged. Glide cracks are signals of potential imminent danger.
Snowpack
During a night of star-studded skies during which outgoing radiation will function to perfection, a breakable-to-capable of bearing loads crust can be generated once again. During the course of the day, it softens up particularly on sunny slopes and at lower altitudes. On south-facing slopes the ground is becoming bare of snow up to high altitudes.
Tendency
Intermittent sunshine on Tuesday due to foehn wind influence. Ongoing low avalanche danger.
EARLIER Danger level
Avalanche Problem
Persistent weak layer
LATER Danger level
Avalanche Problem
Wet snow
Persistent weak layer
Treeline
In sunny weather, a small avalanche of packed snow can still occur on steep slopes during the day.
Snow cover is mostly stable. With sunny weather and a relatively warm air mass at high altitudes, some small avalanches of wet snow may still spontaneously occur during the day on steep slopes, but avalanches are unlikely in most areas.
In arid areas above the tree line, weak layers are present in the snow cover. In a few places, a small, clustered avalanche may be triggered under higher loads.
Snowpack
dp.4: cold following warm / warm following cold
The snow cover has largely collapsed and stabilised, with significant snow melt on slopes. In sunny weather, the crust strengthens on the slopes and softens during the day. In the shadier and sheltered areas, especially in the high mountains, the snow cover remains soft and dry. In arid areas, weak layers may be present in the snow cover.
Tendency
Tuesday will be moderate to mostly cloudy, with the cloud base mostly high over the peaks. A moderate southwesterly wind will blow. It will cool slightly at high altitudes, with a weakening of the temperature turn. The zero isotherm will be around 2500 m above sea level, with temperatures around 3 °C at 1500 m. Snow will remain dry or frosty in the high mountains, and at lower altitudes the snow cover will not soften much due to increased cloud cover. On Wednesday, there will be light precipitation, mainly in the Julian Alps and the foothills. The snowline may drop to just below 2000 m above sea level. No more than up to 10 cm of new snow is expected higher up.
