The current snowpack pattern is uncommon and requires special attention and caution!
New fallen snow will hide old traps and the danger of avalanches is increasing.
Even a small additional load can trigger a medium-sized avalanche near ridges and other typical leeward locations with blowing snow. Chain avalanches are also possible, where the triggering of a small clast of freshly blown snow causes the collapse of old Weak layers in the snowpack!
In some places, the additional load (blowing snow) will naturally trigger cluster avalanches.
Snowpack
dp.1: deep persistent weak layer dp.5: snowfall after a long period of cold
Snow is scarce and local conditions are quite variable. A crust has formed on the surface in some places, which in many places also bears the weight of sand. In the osoles, the snowpack is mostly dry, compacted and hard on the surface, and completely cut at depth. Ridges and peaks are in many places blown down to a crusted or icy base. Particularly near the ridges, areas of blown snow have formed, under which the snowpack is thinned.
Snow has been falling on such a surface above about 1000 m since Friday evening with a strong SW wind. New fallen snow will hide the old snowpack and will have little connection with it. New snowdrift accumulations are forming, which naturally put additional stress on the old snow cover, which has deep, persistent weak layers.
Tendency
Sunday will be cloudy and foggy with occasional snow, with 20-30 cm of snow still falling, possibly more in some places. The snowfall level will be slightly lower than on Saturday. Monday morning will clear and winds will ease. The danger of Avalanches will remain significant, at level 3.
Danger level
treeline
Avalanche Problem
Persistent weak layer
Treeline
Wind slab
Treeline
New fallen snow will hide old traps and the danger of avalanches is increasing.
Even a small additional load can trigger a small avalanche near ridges and other typical leeward areas with blowing snow. Chain avalanche triggering is also possible, where the triggering of a small clast of freshly blown snow causes the collapse of old weak layers in the snowpack!
In particular, in some places, the additional load (blowing snow) will naturally trigger cluster avalanches.
Snowpack
dp.1: deep persistent weak layer dp.5: snowfall after a long period of cold
Snow is scarce and local conditions are quite variable. A crust has formed on the surface in some places, which in many places also bears the weight of sand. In the osoles, the snowpack is mostly dry, compacted and hard on the surface, and completely cut at depth. Ridges and peaks are in many places blown down to a crusted or icy base. Particularly near the ridges, areas of blown snow have formed, under which the snowpack is thinned.
On such a surface above about 1000 m it has been snowing lightly since Friday evening with an increasing SW wind. New fallen snow will hide the old snow cover and will have little connection with it. New snowdrift accumulations are forming, which naturally put additional stress on the old snow cover, which has deep, persistent weak layers.
Tendency
Sunday will be cloudy and foggy with occasional snow showers, with around 20 cm of snow still falling. The snowfall level will be slightly lower than on Saturday. Monday morning will clear and winds will ease. The danger of Avalanches will remain significant, at level 3.
Danger level
2000m
Avalanche Problem
Persistent weak layer
2000m
Weak old snowpack with low snow cover
The avalanche risk is moderate in the northern sector above 2000 metres and low below that. In skiable terrain next to blown-off areas, small to medium slab avalanches can be triggered in some places by low additional loads. In the higher elevations, wind slabs are still prone to triggering and avalanches triggered on the surface can tear through the persistent weak layer. Whumpfing collapsing sounds when stepping on the snowpack can indicate danger. Terrain traps are less full due to a lack of snow and are therefore more effective.
Snowpack
The snow surface is very different locally. There are areas with little snow next to snowdrift accumulations. In places, these are built up and soft, in places hard as a board. A thin melt-freeze crust usually forms overnight, but outgoing longwave radiation is reduced. Where an old snowpack is present, there are faceted crystals on and under the crust at the transition to it, which can serve as a weak layer. Fractures in the persistent weak layer usually occur here. Deeper in the old snowpack there is a sequence of faceted crystals, crusts and a lot of deep rime. The total snow depth is well below average.
Tendency
No significant change in avalanche danger.
Danger level
1800m
Avalanche Problem
Persistent weak layer
1800m
Persistent weak layer
1800m
Snow cover tests still indicate poor stability in some areas.
The avalanche risk is moderate above 1800 metres and low below that. The main problem is a persistent weak layer. Dry slab avalanches can still be triggered occasionally by slight additional loads on very steep slopes. Avalanche prone locations are found at the transition from little to much snow, for example at the entrance to gullies and bowls. Slab avalanches can reach medium size on snowy eastern and northern slopes at higher altitudes.
Snowpack
At higher altitudes, bonded snow lies on built-up layers, often in the area of surface crusts. These layers are still prone to triggering in places. The base of the snowpack consists mainly of faceted crystals. The snow surfaces are very varied, sometimes crust can be formed by wind or heat, often dominated by thin breakable crust. At the highest elevations, the snow is sometimes soft on shady slopes. At high altitudes, some small-scale wind slab can develop. The snow depths are below average.
Tendency
The avalanche danger is slowly decreasing.
Danger level
1800m
Avalanche Problem
Persistent weak layer
1800m
Persistent weak layer problem in northern and eastern aspects!
The avalanche risk is assessed as moderate above 1,800 metres and low below that. Slab avalanches can be triggered in some places even with little additional load and can reach medium size when breaking through the persistent weak layer. The danger areas are located in particular in the north to east aspects behind ridgelines and terrain edges as well as in the entrance areas to steep gullies and bowls. As visibility is poor and the avalanche prone locations are sometimes covered by a thin layer of soft new fallen snow, they are not always easy to recognise.
Snowpack
A few centimetres of soft new fallen snow covers surface hoar and, at higher altitudes, older wind slabs in the northern and eastern exposures on an unstable snowpack with weak layers of faceted crystals and floating snow. On the sunny slopes, the old snowpack is mostly settled and quite compact.
Tendency
It may snow a little from the south and east on Sunday and the avalanche risk could increase slightly. The forecasts are still uncertain, however, and it remains to be seen how much snow will ultimately fall and whether the northern congestion regions will also receive new fallen snow.
Danger level
treeline
Avalanche Problem
Persistent weak layer
Treeline
Persistent weak layer problem - few avalanche prone locations but poor stability!
The avalanche risk has hardly changed and remains moderate in some areas above the tree line. There are still avalanche prone locations adjacent to ridgelines, at terrain transitions and in bowls and gullies in the steep terrain, especially in the high-altitude northern and eastern sectors. Triggering of slab avalanches is possible in some places even under slight additional load. Small-scale avalanches, mainly caused by the recent southerly winds at higher altitudes, should be avoided.
Snowpack
The snowpack is weakened by faceted crystals and/or floating snow, especially at higher altitudes. This means that slab avalanches can easily be triggered here. Depending on the aspect and hardness, the snowpack varies in hardness on the surface, sometimes icy. Mostly at higher altitudes, there may still be small-scale, disruptive drifts. In general, there is little snow and it is distributed very differently. In addition to completely blown away areas, there are also well-filled areas.
Tendency
Still no significant change.
Danger level
2000m
Avalanche Problem
Persistent weak layer
2000m
Skiable terrain is still prone to triggering. Wind slab lies on weak old snowpack
The avalanche risk is moderate above around 2000 metres and low below. Slab avalanches can be triggered in some places by low additional loads and can reach medium size. Both drift snowpacks and the weakly built-up old snowpack can be disturbed, fractures can tear through. Avalanche prone locations increase rapidly from the tree line upwards. They are concentrated from west to north to east, in some places in the southern sector in the high Alps, and generally next to blown-off areas. Drift snow areas should be avoided. Whumpfing collapsing sounds when stepping on the snowpack can indicate danger. Terrain traps are less full due to a lack of snow and are therefore more effective.
Snowpack
The local snow surface varies greatly. There are areas with little snow next to considerable snowdrift accumulations. In places, these are built up and soft, in places hard as a board. A thin melt-freeze crust usually forms overnight, but outgoing longwave radiation is reduced. Traces of new fallen snow lie on top. At the transition to the old snowpack, there are faceted crystals on and under the crust, which can serve as a reactive weak layer. Fractures in the persistent weak layer usually occur here. Deeper in the old snowpack there is a sequence of faceted crystals, crusts and a lot of deep rime. The total snow depth is well below average.
Tendency
The avalanche danger increases with some fresh wind slab within the danger level.
Danger level
1200m
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
1200m
Even a small additional load can trigger a small avalanche, especially in typical leeward areas with freshly blown snow.
Snowpack
dp.5: snowfall after a long period of cold
20-30 cm of New fallen snow will fall on bare ground above 1200 m by Saturday evening. Snowdrift accumulations are forming due to the strengthening SW wind.
Tendency
On Sunday, another 20-30 cm of snow will fall, increasing the danger.
Danger level
1900m
Avalanche Problem
Persistent weak layer
1900m
Weak old snowpack with low snow cover
The avalanche risk is moderate above 1900 metres and low below. In skiable terrain next to blown-off areas, small to medium-sized slab avalanches can still be triggered in a few places by low additional loads. Avalanche prone locations increase rapidly from the tree line upwards, at higher altitudes increasingly also in eastern aspects. Whumpfing collapsing sounds when stepping on the snowpack can indicate danger. Terrain traps are less full due to a lack of snow and are therefore more effective.
Snowpack
The snow surface is very different locally. There are areas with little snow next to snowdrift accumulations. In places, these are built up and soft, in places hard as a board. In addition, a melt-freeze crust usually forms overnight, but outgoing longwave radiation is reduced. Traces of new fallen snow lie on top. Where an old snowpack is present, there are faceted crystals on and under the crust at the transition to it, which can serve as a reactive weak layer. Fractures in the persistent weak layer usually occur here. Deeper in the old snowpack there is a sequence of faceted crystals, crusts and a lot of deep rime. The total snow depth is well below average.
Tendency
The avalanche danger increases with some fresh wind slab within the danger level.
Danger level
2000m
Avalanche Problem
Persistent weak layer
2000m
Persistent weak layer
2000m
Main danger: weak old snowpack layers. Also fresh snowdrifts require caution.
It is possible to trigger slab avalanches in the old snow particularly by large additional loading. If a release sweeps away the entire snowpack the avalanche can grow to medium size. Danger zones are located especially on steep shady slopes, but also in wind-loaded gullies and bowls in all aspects. Whumpf noises and fractures on the surface are alarm signals. Activities in outlying terrain away from secured ski runs require experience in evaluating the terrain and assessment of avalanche dangers. In addition, trigger-sensitive snowdrift accumulations have been generated particularly in ridgline and pass areas.
Snowpack
The old snowpack is overall unfavorably structured. Intermediate layers inside the snow cover continue to be only moderately bonded together. In addition, older snowdrift accumulations on shady high-altitude slopes can be prone to triggering in places. As wind velocity increases, small snowdrifts will accumulate afresh in ridgeline and pass areas.
Tendency
Avalanche danger levels are not expected to change significantly. Main danger at high altitudes remains the unfavorably structured snowpack. Fresh drifts are prone to triggering.
Danger level
Only isolated avalanche prone locations on shady slopes.
The avalanche risk is low. In below-average snow conditions, there are only isolated avalanche prone locations in extremely steep, on shady slopes above the tree line. Small slab avalanches can be triggered here, especially under high additional load. There is a risk of falling in steep terrain with a hard, sometimes icy surface.
Snowpack
The snowpack is well below average for the time of year. In sunny slopes, it is mostly bare beyond the tree line. On shady slopes, the thin snow surface is crusted can form and hard, sometimes icy. At higher altitudes it is mostly blown off, only in wind-protected areas is there a little more snow. In extremely steep gullies on shady slopes, angular shapes can weaken the snow base, fundament. However, there is usually very little snow above this. Ski tours are only possible to a very limited extent.
Tendency
The avalanche danger remains the same.
A disturbance zone will reach the Eastern Alps on Sunday. Hardly any new fallen snow is expected in the Ybbstal Alps, with a few centimetres possible in the afternoon and evening from Schneeberg to Hochwechsel. The wind will be moderate to brisk with peak winds of around 50 km/h from the south. Mostly sunny weather will return on Monday.
Danger level
Avalanche Problem
Persistent weak layer
Predominantly low avalanche danger
Avalanche danger is low. Isolated avalanche prone locations occur on extremely steep, predominantly shady slopes. Small-sized avalanches can in isolated cases be triggered. Danger zones occur most often in transition zones from shallow to deep snow, for example, at entry points into gullies and bowls. Apart from the risks of being buried in snow masses, the danger of being swept along and forced to take a fall also require caution.
Snowpack
The old snowpack is predominantly well consolidated. On shady slopes, weak layers in the old snow still persist in places. Due to mild temperatures, the snow at low and intermediate altitudes is moist and the snowpack surface melt-freeze encrusted in early morning. Overall there is little snow on the ground. Often surface hoar on shady slopes.
Tendency
Avalanche danger levels are not immediately expected to change significantly.
Danger level
Avalanche Problem
Persistent weak layer
Danger of falling!
The avalanche risk is low. Smaller avalanches can be triggered in persistent weak layers, especially with large additional loads. The few avalanche prone locations are found on extremely steep slopes in the northern and eastern aspects, especially when entering gullies and bowls.
Snowpack
Up to high altitudes, the snowpack has crusted can form on the surface. At higher altitudes, bonded snow lies on angular snow layers in places. The often hard-frozen snowpack barely softens during the daytime changes. Especially on sunny slopes, large areas will be bare again. Overall, there is little snow and ground contact is to be expected everywhere.
Tendency
The avalanche danger remains low.
Danger level
Avalanche Problem
Persistent weak layer
Low avalanche danger, isolated avalanche prone locations on shady slopes!
The avalanche risk is low. In extremely steep gullies and on shady slopes above the tree line, the triggering of small slab avalanches cannot be completely ruled out. Avalanche prone locations may be difficult to recognise due to poor visibility and a thin covering of soft new fallen snow.
Snowpack
On Saturday, a few centimetres of new snow fell on a crust can form and hardness with partial surface hoar with little wind. The snow base, fundament is set and compact. In extremely steep gullies on shady slopes, the snow base, fundament is partly weakened by angular shapes, but these areas are rare.
Tendency
On Sunday, it may snow in the southern and eastern mountain ranges of Styria and the risk of avalanches may increase slightly. However, the forecasts are still uncertain and it remains to be seen how much snow will ultimately fall.
Danger level
Hardly any snow and low avalanche danger.
The avalanche risk is low. The risk of stones and slipping on icy surfaces is higher than the risk of burial. Terrain traps are less full due to a lack of snow and are therefore more effective.
Snowpack
Where there is still snow, the snowpack is moist to wet due to sunlight, depending on the altitudes, and closes with a melt-freeze crust that forms a steep sunny slope during the day, but otherwise often remains hard and icy. Edged persistent weak layers weaken the snow base, fundament if present.
