Avalanche Service Styria

Sunday 18 January 2026

Published 17 Jan 2026, 19:00:00


Danger level

1800m
Avalanche Problem
Persistent weak layer
1800m


Unfavourable snow layering in the northern sector!

The avalanche danger is assessed as moderate at high altitudes. Avalanche prone locations are in the east and north sectors, especially behind ridgelines, terrain edges and in steep gullies and bowls (persistent weak layer problem!). Slab avalanches can occasionally be triggered at the avalanche prone locations by even small additional loads and can reach medium size.

Snowpack

Most of the snow cover, snowpack has settled. The snow layering is currently not changing significantly. 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 snowpack is again becoming more stable. Due to the wind from the south, fresh snowdrift accumulations are forming occasionally in the high alpine regions (Schladminger Tauern - Dachstein), especially above 2300 metres. Snow depths are still below average.

Tendency

Little change on Monday. Strong southerly foehn winds in dry air on the main ridge. No snow in sight at the moment! No change in the avalanche danger is expected.


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

There is currently little change in the snow cover, snowpack. On the north side, the kinetic metamorphism is weakening the snow base, fundament. Angular shapes or cup crystals form weak layers. A melt-freeze crust has formed on the sunny slope, but it is not always stable. The snowpack depths are below average.

Tendency

The avalanche danger remains low. Little change on Monday. Strong southerly foehn winds in dry air on the main ridge. No snow in sight at the moment!