One single winter sports enthusiast can trigger slab avalanches in the old snow. If they sweep away the entire snowpack, they can grow to medium size. Danger zones occur especially on steep shady slopes, but also in wind-loaded gullies and bowls in all aspects. Whumpf noises and fractures forming on the survace are alarm signals. Also remote triggerings continue to be possible. In addition, small-sized freshly generated snowdrifts in high-altitude ridgeline and pass areas require caution. Activities away from secured ski runs require experience in evaluating the terrain and assessing avalanche 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
2000m
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
2000m
Danger areas in the wind slab next to the blown-off areas
The avalanche danger is considerable above 2000 m and low below.
Slab avalanches can be triggered in some places by small additional loads (individual winter sports enthusiasts) and can reach medium size. Avalanche prone locations are located in particular in the 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 rapidly in size and frequency with altitude from the tree line upwards. 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. Moderate southerly foehn forms fresh, initially still thin wind slab, which is likely to be susceptible to disturbance on the often still soft old snow base leeward. Further weak layers of faceted crystals and deep rime lie in the persistent weak layer below and can be activated occasionally by surface avalanches. The total snow depth is still well below average in many places. Broad ridge and ridges are often completely blown off.
Tendency
The southerly wind will pick up to 60 km/h on Saturday and will cause an increasing wind slab problem on the northern sides.
Danger level
1600m
Avalanche Problem
Persistent weak layer
1600m
Wet snow
Increasingly unfavourable snow layering with altitude.
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 in some places by small additional loads. Avalanche prone locations are mainly on steep slopes with aspects from north-west to east to south-east as well as in gullies and bowls at the transition from little to much snow. The number and extent of avalanche prone locations increase with altitude. Slab avalanches can occasionally become large.
Wet snow is also problematic during daytime changes. Wet avalanches can detach themselves in very steep terrain, especially when exposed to sunlight. They can reach small to medium size.
Snowpack
Older, thick drift snowpacks lie in the upper part of the snow cover, in places 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. Up to high altitudes, the snow cover, snowpack is soaked through to the ground in many places. A melt-freeze crust forms on the surface overnight at mid-altitudes and on sunny slopes at high altitudes. On sunny slopes, it softens again during the daytime changes, causing the snow to lose its bond.
Tendency
Slow decline in avalanche danger.
Danger level
treeline
Avalanche Problem
Persistent weak layer
Treeline
Wet snow
2000m
Pay attention to local avalanche prone locations!
The avalanche risk is categorised as moderate, mainly at high altitudes. Locally, slab avalanches of up to medium size can be triggered in very to extremely steep terrain at high altitudes due to additional loads. Avalanche prone locations are mainly in areas adjacent to the ridgeline and in steep, filled-in bowls and gullies. Spontaneous loose snow or wet snow avalanches are rarely possible from steep, undischarged slopes at low and sometimes medium altitudes where there is a sufficiently thick snow cover, snowpack.
Snowpack
The snow cover, snowpack has continued to settle. However, there are still weak layers in the old snowpack locally 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 number of avalanche prone locations continues to decrease.
Danger level
2000m
Avalanche Problem
Persistent weak layer
2000m
Unfavourable snow layering in the northern sector!
The avalanche danger above 2000 metres is rated as moderate (level 2), below that it is low. In particular, older snowdrift accumulations in the east and north sectors, especially behind ridgelines, terrain edges and in gullies and bowls, can usually be triggered by large additional loads as medium slab avalanches.
Occasionally, wet loose snow slides are still possible from steep rocky and rugged terrain.
Snowpack
The snow cover, snowpack has settled somewhat due to the warmth. In the high altitudes, older wind slab lies on angular forms in the northern and eastern exposures. Weak layers are mainly found in the old snowpack (unstable layer of faceted crystals). In the foundation of the snow cover, kinetic metamorphism (floating snow) weakens the stability. On the sunny slopes, the lockout is progressing again.
Tendency
At the weekend, the high fog layer south of the Niedere Tauern and Hochschwab will become thicker, at least occasionally the mountain ranges will be covered in fog up to an altitude of 1500 metres. Sunny in the northern Alps with southerly foehn.
The avalanche danger is decreasing.
Danger level
1800m
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
1800m
Persistent weak layer
2000m
In high alpine regions, the most dangerous places are those with blowing snow
The most dangerous places are those with blown snow, where a heavy load can trigger a mostly small, blocky Avalanche. More 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, but 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
1800m
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
1800m
The wind slab is easily recognisable - avoid it consistently
The avalanche danger is moderate above around 1800 metres and low below.
Small to medium slab avalanches can still be triggered in very steep terrain by low additional loads. 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 southerly foehn will pick up a little on Saturday. Depending on the wind influence, increase in avalanche prone locations due to fresh wind slab.
Danger level
2000m
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
2000m
Avoid easily recognisable wind slabs
The avalanche danger is moderate above 2000 metres and low below. Small to medium slab avalanches can still be triggered in very steep terrain by low additional loads. 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
Little change in most of the region. Only in the Tennengebirge and on the Gosaukamm can a revival of the southerly foehn create fresh wind slabs and increase the avalanche prone locations.
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, in isolated cases medium sized slab avalanches in wind-loaded zones, particularly on steep W-N-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. As a result of mild temperatures, the snow at low and intermediate altitudes is moistened and the snowpack surface is melt-freeze encrusted in early morning. At low altitudes there is little snow on the ground.
Tendency
No significant change is anticipated.
Danger level
1600m
Avalanche Problem
Persistent weak layer
1600m
Wet snow
Snow cover tests can help to assess the problem of old snow in the terrain.
The avalanche danger is moderate above 1600 metres and low below that. The main problem at higher altitudes is a persistent weak layer. Dry slab avalanches can be triggered in some places by low additional loads. Avalanche prone locations are mainly on steep slopes with aspects from north-west to east to south-east as well as in gullies and bowls at the transition from little to much snow. The number and extent of avalanche prone locations increase with altitude. Slab avalanches can be of medium size.
Wet snow is also problematic during daytime changes. Small to medium-sized, wet avalanches can release themselves in very steep terrain, especially when exposed to sunlight.
Snowpack
Older drift snow packs lie in the upper part of the snow cover, in places on weak, built-up layers, often in the area of crusts. At high altitudes, the snowpack base consists of faceted crystals. In many places, the snow cover, snowpack is soaked through to the ground up to high altitudes. A melt-freeze crust forms on the surface overnight at mid-altitudes and on sunny slopes at high altitudes. On sunny slopes, it softens again during the daytime changes, causing the snow to lose its bond. Snow depths are below average, especially in the east.
Tendency
Slow decline in avalanche danger.
Danger level
Little snow and low avalanche danger
The avalanche danger is low. Very occasional small, wet loose snow slides from extremely steep, sunny slopes in forests and meadows are still possible.
Snowpack
After a clear night, the snow surface is superficially crusted and hard, during the day it softens again, especially in the sunny aspects, and can occasionally lose its binding on the surface on extremely steep sunny slopes. The snow base, fundament is mostly set and compact, it can be damp or even wet due to the moisture input of the past few days.
Tendency
The avalanche risk remains low. It will cool down again at all altitudes at the weekend, but there is no precipitation in sight.
Danger level
Avalanche Problem
Wet snow
Low risk of small, wet avalanches
The avalanche risk is low. Individual wet and predominantly small avalanches can spontaneously break loose from very steep terrain with the sunlight.
Snowpack
The snow cover, snowpack is moist to wet due to rainfall, mild air and sunlight, depending on the altitudes, and closes with a crust of melt or rain ice, which can rise during the day. The snow base, fundament is partially weakened by persistent weak layers.
Tendency
Little change.
Danger level
Avalanche Problem
Wet snow
Persistent weak layer
1600m
Few avalanche prone locations.
The avalanche danger is low. Wet snow is the main problem. Especially with sunlight, wet avalanches can detach themselves in very steep terrain and usually remain small.
In addition, smaller slab avalanches can occasionally be triggered in persistent weak layers at higher altitudes. Avalanche prone locations are mainly on very steep slopes in the northern and eastern aspects.
Snowpack
Up to high altitudes, the snow cover, snowpack is soaked through to the ground in many places. A melt-freeze crust forms on the surface overnight. On the sunny slopes, it softens again during the daytime changes, causing the snow to lose its bond. At higher altitudes, older wind slab snow is still lying on dry, angular layers in places. The snow depths are below average.
Tendency
Little change in avalanche danger.
Danger level
treeline
Avalanche Problem
Persistent weak layer
Treeline
Wet snow
Predominantly low avalanche danger - only a few avalanche prone locations!
The avalanche risk is predominantly classified as low. At higher altitudes in very to extremely steep terrain, slab avalanches of up to medium size can be triggered by additional load in a few places in the terrain. Avalanche prone locations are mainly in areas adjacent to the ridgeline and in steep, filled-in bowls and gullies. Spontaneous loose snow or wet snow avalanches are rarely possible from steep, undischarged slopes at low and sometimes medium altitudes where there is a sufficiently thick snow cover, snowpack.
Snowpack
The snow cover, snowpack has continued to settle. Locally, there may still be weak layers in the old snowpack 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.
The avalanche risk is low. Occasionally, small, wet loose snow slides can still occur from extremely steep, sunny-side forest and meadow slopes as well as the rocky and craggy terrain or be triggered by winter sports enthusiasts on the descent. In extremely steep shady slopes above the tree line, small slab avalanches in persistent weak layers cannot be completely ruled out. The risk of being swept away and falling generally outweighs the risk of burial, especially in the hardness or icy entrance areas to steep gullies.
Snowpack
After a clear night, the snow cover, snowpack is superficially crusted and hard, during the day it softens again, especially in the sunny aspects and can occasionally lose its binding on the surface in extremely steep sunny slopes. The snow base, fundament is mostly set and compact, but due to the moisture input of the past few days, it can be damp or even wet up to the higher elevations. In extremely steep shady slopes, the snow base, fundament can be partially weakened by angular shapes, these areas are rare.
Tendency
The avalanche risk remains low. With a slight foehn tendency, temperatures will remain positive in the west for the time being. It will be slightly cooler in the Schneeberg and Rax areas. The snow cover, snowpack settles.
Danger level
Avalanche Problem
Persistent weak layer
Low avalanche danger. Poor snow layering on the north side!
The avalanche danger is low.
In the extremely steep north-facing gullies at high altitudes, the possibility of a snow slab being triggered cannot be ruled out.
Snowpack
On the north side, the kinetic metamorphism weakens the snow base, fundament. Angular shapes or cup crystals form weak layers. If an avalanche is triggered in the northern sector, the snow cover, snowpack tears through to the ground.
Tendency
The avalanche danger remains low.
At the weekend, the high fog layer south of the Niedere Tauern and Hochschwab will become thicker, and at least occasionally the mountain ranges will be covered in fog up to an altitude of 1500 metres.
