Avalanche Service Salzburg

Monday 19 January 2026

Published 18 Jan 2026, 17:00:00


Danger level

2000m
Avalanche Problem
Persistent weak layer
2000m
Wind slab
2000m


Fresh wind slab due to south foehn

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, north to east facing steep terrain, but also in the southern sector, 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. Fresh and older wind slabs lie on an angular, prone-to-triggering old snow base. Further weak layers of faceted crystals and deep rime lie in the persistent weak layer below and can occasionally be activated 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

No significant change on Monday.


Danger level

1800m
Avalanche Problem
Persistent weak layer
1800m


Consistently avoid steep areas next to windswept terrain

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. Steep areas with older wind slabs should be avoided.

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 a melt-freeze crust that is not stable everywhere. 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. The total snow depth is still well below average. Ridges and ridges are often completely blown off.

Tendency

No significant change.


Danger level

2000m
Avalanche Problem
Persistent weak layer
2000m


Weak old snowpack with low snow cover

The avalanche danger is moderate above 2000 metres and low below. Small to medium slab avalanches can be triggered in very steep terrain by even a small additional load. Most avalanche prone locations are located on north-west, north to south-east facing slopes, behind terrain edges and in gullies and bowls. The danger areas in steep terrain are often located next to the blown-off parts of the terrain and should be consistently 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 high altitudes, older wind slab snow is still prone to triggering in places, and fresh wind slab snow is also formed on a small scale during the day. 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

It will remain foehn, the situation will not change significantly on Tuesday.


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 build up steeply during the day on the sunny slopes and protected from the wind. Edgy persistent weak layers partially weaken the snow base, fundament.

Tendency

No significant change on Tuesday.