One single person can trigger slab avalanches in the old snow. If the fracture sweeps away the entire snowpack, the release can grow to medium size. Danger zones occur especially on steep shady slopes and in wind-loaded gullies and bowls in all aspects. Whumpf noises and fractures on the snowpack surface are alarm signals. Also remote triggerings continue to be possible. In addition, small-sized fresh snowdrifts require special caution in high altitude ridgeline terrain and pass zones. Activities in backcountry demand experience in evaluating the terrain and assessing dangers.
Snowpack
Bonding of the most recent fresh snowfall and freshly generated snowdrifts to the often faceted, expansively metamorphosed old snowpack surface, as well as inside the unfavorably structured layers of the old snow, continues to be moderate-to-poor in places. In addition, layers inside the latest fresh snow and drifted snow are often still prone to triggering. Settling noises and fractures on the snowpack surface confirm this trigger-sensitivity.
Tendency
No significant change is anticipated. The old snow remains prone to triggering at high altitudes.
Danger level
1600m
Avalanche Problem
Persistent weak layer
1600m
Wet snow
Significant avalanche danger above 1600 m.
The avalanche danger is considerable above 1600 metres, below that it is low. The main problem at higher altitudes is a persistent weak layer. Dry slab avalanches can be triggered on steep slopes in the north-west to east to south aspects as well as in gullies and bowls, especially in places with less snow due to low additional loads. The number of avalanche prone locations increases with altitude and slab avalanches can become large in places at high altitudes. Booming noises sometimes indicate danger.
Wet snow is also problematic. Wet avalanches can detach themselves in very steep terrain of all aspects, especially at medium altitudes (1000 m - 2000 m). At higher altitudes, extremely steep, sunlit slopes are particularly affected. Wet avalanches reach medium size.
Snowpack
Older drift snowpacks in the upper part of the snow cover, snowpacks lie on soft, angular layers or surface hoar, often in the area of crusts. At high altitudes, the base of the snowpack consists of faceted crystals. In warm temperatures, the snow cover, snowpack becomes more moist and loses its binding properties. Up to high altitudes, the snow cover, snowpack is wet to the ground or at least near the surface. A melt-freeze crust forms on the surface overnight, which thaws again during the daytime changes.
Tendency
Slow decline in avalanche danger.
Danger level
2000m
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
2000m
Danger areas in the wind slab next to the blown-off areas
The avalanche risk is considerable above 2000 m and low below.
Slab avalanches can still be triggered in some places by low additional loads (individual winter sports enthusiasts) and can reach medium size. Avalanche prone locations are located in particular in north-west, north to south-east facing steep terrain, adjacent to the ridgeline and area distant from ridgelines, behind terrain edges as well as in gullies and bowls. They increase in size and frequency with altitude. Wind slabs often lie directly next to blown-off areas, are easily recognisable and should be avoided at all costs. Cracks and whumpfing collapsing sounds when walking on the snow cover, snowpack are a sign of danger.
Snowpack
Under the influence of mild air and sunlight, the snow cover, snowpack has settled and become cardboardy up to around 2000 metres. It has at least a thin melt-freeze crust in the morning. At higher altitudes, the wind slab from the weekend is still prone to triggering. The transition to the old snowpack (faceted crystals on/under the crust) usually serves as a weak layer. It consists of layers of faceted crystals, deep rime and melt-freeze crusts; avalanches triggered on the surface can tear through to the ground.
The total snow depth is still well below average. Ridges and ridges are often completely blown off.
Tendency
Directly on the main Tauern ridge with rising southerly winds, partly fresh wind slab problems on the north sides. A slight decrease in danger away from the main ridge.
Danger level
treeline
Avalanche Problem
Persistent weak layer
Treeline
Wet snow
1600m
Slab avalanches can still be triggered locally!
The avalanche danger is categorised as moderate, mainly at high altitudes. In very to extremely steep terrain, there are avalanche prone locations where medium-sized slab avalanches can be triggered by low additional loads. There are avalanche prone locations particularly in areas adjacent to the ridgeline and in steep, filled-in bowls and gullies. Sporadic spontaneous loose snow or wet snow avalanches are possible from steep, undischarged slopes at low and partly medium altitudes where there is a sufficiently thick snow cover, snowpack.
Snowpack
The snow cover, snowpack has already settled significantly. However, there are still weak layers in the old snowpack at higher altitudes and the snow base, fundament is weakened by crystalline forms that have been transformed by building up. Depending on the hardness and aspect, the snow surface varies in hardness, sometimes crust can form and can soften somewhat, especially on sunny slopes. With the mild temperatures, the snow cover, snowpack in the low and partly medium altitudes varies from moist to wet depending on altitude and aspect.
Tendency
The danger of slipping snow continues to decrease.
Danger level
treeline
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
Treeline
Moderate avalanche danger at higher altitudes
Older and small-sized freshly generated snowdrift accumulations are often still prone to triggering at high altitudes. Winter sports enthusiasts can trigger small-to-medium sized slab avalanches in wind-loaded zones, particularly on steep W-E-SE facing slopes and in gullies and bowls. At lower altitudes, wet snowslides and small avalanches will be possible.
Snowpack
The fresh fallen snow and drifts from the most recent period of precipitation have settled further as a result of higher temperatures. Bonding to the often loosely-packed, faceted, expansively metamorphosed old snowpack surface, and inside the unfavorably structured layers of the old snow, continues to be moderate-to-poor in places. In addition, layers inside the recent fresh snow and drifts are often still prone to triggering. Up to intermediate altitudes the snowpack surface is frequently melt-freeze encrusted. At low altitudes there is little snow on the ground.
Tendency
No significant change is anticipated.
Danger level
1600m
Avalanche Problem
Wet snow
1600m
Persistent weak layer
1600m
Moderate avalanche danger above 1600 m.
The avalanche danger is moderate above 1600 metres and low below that. The main problem is wet snow. Wet avalanches can detach themselves in very steep terrain of all aspects. At higher altitudes, wet avalanches can reach medium size.
Persistent weak layers are also problematic. Dry slab avalanches can be triggered on steep slopes in the north-west, east and south aspects as well as in gullies and bowls, especially in areas with less snow, by low additional loads. The number of avalanche prone locations increases with altitude and slab avalanches can reach medium size at high altitudes. Booming noises sometimes indicate danger.
Snowpack
Older drift snowpacks lie on soft layers or surface hoar in the upper part of the snow cover, often in the area of crusts. At high altitudes, the base of the snowpack consists of faceted crystals. In warm temperatures, the snow cover, snowpack becomes more moist and loses its binding properties. Up to high altitudes, the snow cover, snowpack is wet to the ground or at least near the surface. A melt-freeze crust forms on the surface overnight, which thaws again during the daytime changes. Snow depths are below average, especially in the east.
Tendency
Slow decline in avalanche danger.
Danger level
1800m
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
1800m
Persistent weak layer
2000m
In high alpine regions, there are more dangerous places with blowing snow
The most dangerous places are those with blown snow, where a heavy load can trigger a mostly small, blocky Avalanche. Greater caution is needed in ravines and gullies where there may be more blown snow.
Snowpack
dp.4: cold following warm / warm following cold
The snow base is local, with little snow overall. As the weather has warmed, the snow cover has started to change more rapidly in the mid-mountains and also in the high alpine regions. There is still some light snow in the shelter of the high alpine regions, while in the high alpine regions the snow base is mostly crusty and hard.
Tendency
Weather and avalanche conditions will remain similar in the coming days.
Danger level
2000m
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
2000m
Avoid easily recognisable wind slabs
The avalanche danger is moderate above 2000 metres and low below.
Slab avalanches can still be triggered in very steep terrain by low additional loads and can reach medium size. Most avalanche prone locations are on north-west, north to south-east facing slopes, behind ridges and in gullies and bowls. The wind slab is easily recognisable and should be avoided. Cracks and whumpfing collapsing sounds when walking on the snow cover, snowpack indicate danger.
Snowpack
Under the influence of mild air and sunlight, the snow cover, snowpack has settled and become cardboardy up to around 2000 metres. It has at least a thin melt-freeze crust in the morning. At higher altitudes, the wind slab from the weekend is still prone to triggering in places. The transition to the old snowpack (faceted crystals on/under the crust) usually serves as a weak layer. It consists of layers of faceted crystals, deep rime and melt-freeze crusts. Surface-triggered avalanches can tear through to the ground. The total snow depth is still well below average. Ridges and ridges are often completely blown off.
Tendency
The settlement continues to progress in mild weather.
Danger level
treeline
Avalanche Problem
Persistent weak layer
Treeline
Wet snow
2000m
Moderate avalanche danger at higher altitudes.
The avalanche danger is moderate above the tree line (level 2) and low below. In particular, older snowdrift accumulations in the east and north sectors, especially behind ridgelines, terrain edges and in gullies and bowls, can be triggered as medium slab avalanches even by low additional loads.
In addition, small, spontaneous wet snow avalanches are to be expected at medium altitudes and, on sunny slopes, also at high altitudes.
Snowpack
The snow cover, snowpack was able to settle somewhat due to the warmth. The snow became moist at medium altitudes.
At high altitudes, wind slab snow lies on angular forms in the northern and eastern exposures. Weak layers are mainly found between drift and new fallen snow and the old snowpack (unstable layer of faceted crystals). In the foundation of the snow cover, kinetic metamorphism (floating snow) weakens the stability.
Tendency
On Friday and at the weekend, the weather will be quite sunny north of the main Alpine ridge, with low, high fog-like clouds accumulating more frequently from the south. The wind will shift to southeast to southwest.
The risk of avalanches is decreasing.
Danger level
Little snow and low avalanche danger.
The avalanche danger is low. Very occasional small, wet gullies on embankments or in gullies and bowls are still possible.
Snowpack
Due to the mild temperatures, the snow cover, snowpack is damp to wet. Overnight, a melt-freeze crust forms in windless areas, which thaws again during the day with sunlight. In general, the snow cover is well below average.
Tendency
The avalanche risk remains low.
On Friday and at the weekend, winds from the south-east will push low, high fog-like clouds into the Alpine foothills, while the higher mountains will remain clear with a southerly flow. It will cool down slightly.
Danger level
Avalanche Problem
Wet snow
Low avalanche danger, but isolated wet snow slides!
The avalanche risk is low. However, small, spontaneous wet snow slides can occur at low altitudes, e.g. from wooded areas and also at higher altitudes on the sunny slopes.
In the extremely steep north-facing gullies at high altitudes, a snow slab release cannot be ruled out.
Snowpack
The persistent weak layer problem is easing due to the warming, but the snow can become wet and therefore unstable at medium altitudes and on sunny slopes.
Tendency
Slowly but surely, the temperature is also dropping again at all altitudes. The avalanche risk remains low.
Danger level
Avalanche Problem
Wet snow
Low avalanche danger, isolated wet snow slides in steep gullies and bowls.
The avalanche danger is low. Small wet snow slides can still occur in steep gullies and bowls in western, southern and eastern aspects. Wet slides from wooded areas or embankments are also possible at low altitudes. In extremely steep, north-facing gullies above the tree line, small slab avalanches in persistent weak layers can be triggered by small additional loads.
Snowpack
The persistent weak layer problem is easing due to the warming. However, the snow cover, snowpack has become unstable due to the increasing moisture, especially in western, southern and eastern aspects. During the clear night, the firmness of the snow cover increases, during the day the stability, snowpack stability decreases again.
Tendency
The avalanche risk remains low.
On Friday and at the weekend, winds from the south-east will push low, high fog-like clouds into the Alpine foothills, while the higher mountains will remain clear with a southerly flow. It will cool down slightly.
Danger level
Avalanche Problem
Wet snow
Encrusted surfaces diminish the pleasure of skiing
The avalanche risk is low. Individual wet and mainly small avalanches can spontaneously break loose from very steep terrain with the sunlight. The wind slab from the weekend is hardly triggerable.
Snowpack
The snow cover, snowpack is moist to wet due to rain, mild air and sunlight and is covered with a crust of melt or rain ice that can rise during the day. Edged persistent weak layers partially weaken the snow base, fundament.
