Danger areas in the wind slab next to the blown-off areas
The risk of avalanches increases rapidly with altitude from around 1800 metres and is considerable above 2000 metres.
Slab avalanches can be triggered in some places by small additional loads and can reach medium size. Avalanche prone locations are concentrated in the north-west to north-east facing steep terrain, but sometimes also in the east and south sectors, behind terrain edges and in gullies and bowls. They increase rapidly in size and frequency with altitude. The wind slabs are often located 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. In the wind slabs, fresh drift snow lies on a leeward layer of old snow that is often still soft in the higher altitudes and is prone to triggering. 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 continue to pick up on Sunday and bring extensive transport. This means a pronounced wind slab problem.
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 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. In the morning, it has at least a thin crust of melt or rain ice. At higher altitudes, older wind slabs are 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
To the north of the main Tauern ridge, the southerly foehn will be stormy in places. Increase in avalanche prone locations there 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. In the morning it has at least a thin melt-freeze crust, and up to around 1900 metres it also has a crust of rain ice. At higher altitudes, older wind slab 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. From the Steinberge to the Gosaukamm, the southerly foehn is picking up. There is an increase in avalanche prone locations due to fresh wind slab.
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
No significant change on Sunday. A moderately strong southerly wind is not able to move the snow.
