Danger level

2000m

Wind slab		2000m
Wind slab		2000m
Persistent weak layer		1800m

High avalanche risk in the high altitudes due to lots of new fallen snow and wind.

The avalanche risk is high above 2000 metres and considerable below that. The main problem is wind slab avalanches. Slab avalanches can easily be triggered by individual winter sports enthusiasts or detach themselves. Avalanche prone locations are adjacent to ridgelines and distant from ridgelines on steep slopes of all aspects, behind slope discontinuities and in gullies and bowls, as well as in forest aisles and clearings. They increase in number and size with altitude. Above 1800 m, avalanches on very steep shady slopes can also tear through to deeper weak layers in the old snowpack. At high altitudes, avalanches can become large in places. Cracks when stepping on the snowpack and booming noises indicate the danger. Small to medium-sized, spontaneous loose snow avalanches are possible from the steep terrain interspersed with rocks.

Snowpack

Stormy winds and abundant fresh snowfall are causing the already extensive snowdrift accumulations to grow further. The fresh and older snowdrift accumulations are very prone to triggering. They lie on soft layers of snow or surface hoar. In the upper part of the old snowpack, thin wind and melt-freeze crusts are prone to triggering in places. Above 1800 m, on shady slopes, there are deeper weak layers of faceted crystals in the snowpack. The snow depths vary greatly across the terrain due to the strong winds.

Tendency

The avalanche situation will remain tense throughout the week.

Danger level

1800m

New snow		1800m
New snow		1800m
Persistent weak layer		2000m

High avalanche danger widespread

Intensive precipitation and storm-strength winds are leading to high avalanche danger. Avalanches can easily be triggered by one single winter sports enthusiast or be triggered naturally. Exposed areas can be placed at risk. Danger zones occur on steep slopes near to and distant from ridgelines, behind drops in the landscape and in wind-loaded gullies and bowls. Frequency and spread of avalanche prone locations increase with ascending altitude. Whumpf noises and fractures which appear when treading upon the snowpack, as well as freshly released avalanches are alarm signals. Activities in outlying terrain demand restraint. The inexperienced should not leave secured ski runs.

Snowpack

By Tuesday evening, 30-50cm of fresh snow was registered. During the daytime the snowfall continued. Storm-strength westerly-to-northwesterly winds transported the snow, generate fresh snowdrift accumulations. Fresh snow and drifts often lie deposited on top of graupel, in wind-protected terrain also atop surface hoar or on thin, trigger-sensitive melt-freeze layers. Also older snowdrifts and the weak snowpack will be blanketed by fresh snowfall.

Tendency

As precipitation tapers off, danger of naturally triggered avalanches will gradually diminish. Situation remains treacherous for winter sports enthusiasts.

Danger level

1600m

Wind slab		1600m
Wind slab		1600m
Persistent weak layer		1800m

Wind slabs are prone to triggering at all altitudes.

The avalanche risk is considerable above 1600 metres and moderate below that. The main problem is wind slab avalanches. Slab avalanches can easily be triggered by individual winter sports enthusiasts. Avalanche prone locations are adjacent to ridgelines and distant from ridgelines on steep slopes of all aspects, behind slope discontinuities and in gullies and bowls, as well as in forest aisles and clearings. They increase in number and size with altitude. Avalanches reach medium size. Cracks in the snowpack indicate danger. Above 1800 m, avalanches on very steep shady slopes can also tear through to deeper weak layers in the old snowpack and occasionally become large in the high areas of the Werdenfels. Small to medium-sized loose snow avalanches can detach themselves from the steep terrain interspersed with rocks in the areas rich in fresh snow.

Snowpack

Stormy winds and fresh snowfall are causing the snowdrift accumulations to continue to grow. Some of the fresh and older snowdrift accumulations are extensive and very prone to triggering. They lie on soft layers of snow or surface hoar. In the upper part of the old snowpack, thin wind and melt-freeze crusts are prone to triggering in places. Above 1800 m, on shady slopes, there are deeper weak layers of faceted crystals in the snowpack. The snow depths vary greatly across the terrain due to the strong winds.

Tendency

The avalanche situation remains tense.

Danger level

treeline

Wind slab		Treeline
Persistent weak layer		2000m

Fresh and snow-covered wind slabs are prone to triggering

The avalanche risk is considerable above the tree line and low below. In north-west to north to south-facing slopes, avalanches can easily be triggered by individuals in some places. Above 2000 metres, slab avalanches are still possible in persistent weak layers in a few places. Occasionally, avalanches can reach medium size. Danger areas are located at the transition from little to more snow and generally next to blown-off areas as well as in the entrance areas to gullies and bowls filled with wind slabs. Caution should also be exercised at the edge of forests and in forest aisles. Cracks when stepping on the snowpack indicate danger. Caution in the area of terrain traps.

Snowpack

Another 10 to 25 cm of new fallen snow, even more in places. This, and the snow of the past few days, is being transported extensively and is very prone to triggering. Older snowdrift accumulations will be covered with snow. On shady slopes protected from the wind above around 2000 metres, surface hoar has also been covered with snow in places. At high altitudes, especially in northern and eastern aspects, bonded snow overlays a weak old snowpack of faceted crystals and deep frost.

Tendency

As the snowfall continues, snowdrift accumulations grow.

Danger level

1800m

Persistent weak layer		1800m
Wind slab		Treeline

Tours require restraint, observe multiple starting zones

The avalanche risk is considerable above 1800 metres and low below. The situation remains precarious for winter sports. On slopes of all aspects, medium-sized slab avalanches can easily be triggered by individuals in some places. It is highly likely that surface-triggered avalanches will tear through to deeper layers. In particular on north-west to north to east-facing slopes above 1800 metres. Danger areas are sometimes barely recognisable and require a defensive choice of route. Be careful in particular near transitions from little to much snow, behind terrain edges, in the entrance areas to steep gullies and bowls and also in the forest boundary area or in forest aisles. Remote triggering is possible and naturally triggered avalanches can also occur.

Snowpack

Another 10 to 20 cm of new fallen snow, even more in places. This, and the snow of the past few days, is extensively transported and is very prone to triggering. Fresh and older wind slab snow overlaid with soft layers of faceted crystals and deep rime. In wind-protected areas, on shady slopes above around 2000 m and on sunny slopes above 2400 m, surface hoar has also been snowed in in places. Fractures occur either in soft layers near the surface or around the crust that forms the transition to the completely angular old snowpack. In general, areas with little snow alternate with sometimes considerable snowdrift accumulations in a confined space with overall snow depths that are well below average.

Tendency

Snowdrift accumulations remain prone to triggering, the persistent weak layer problem remains.

Danger level

1700m

Persistent weak layer		1700m
Wind slab		1700m

The current snowpack pattern is uncommon and requires special attention and caution!

New fallen snow in the high alpine regions, weak layers persist.

In particular, even a small additional load can trigger a small avalanche on snowdrift accumulations. A triggered avalanche or an otherwise large Additional load may exceed the load-bearing capacity of the deep hard layers, triggering a deep and widespread (large) avalanche. Such weak layers are particularly abundant in the axis above the forest, but are not excluded elsewhere. Gliding avalanches also occur on steep smooth slopes.

Snowpack

dp.1: deep persistent weak layer
dp.4: cold following warm / warm following cold

At the end of last week, there was up to 20 cm of New fallen snow above an altitude of around 1400 m. Above 1700 m the snow fell on the hard surface of the old snow cover, below that on a breakable crust or soft ground. A strong nor'easter on Sunday morning built up new small snow drifts which did not connect well with the frozen ground. The old snow cover is made up of layers of bonded snow that have already melted a little. Deep below the surface, the old snow cover contains several weak layers of shreds and coarse grains.

Tendency

The danger of avalanches will remain similar.

Danger level

New snow

Caution urged in wind-exposed steep terrain

Avalanche danger is moderate above the timberline, often at that level at the timberline. Fresh snow and drifts can easily be triggered as small-to-medium sized avalanches by one single winter sports enthusiast. Danger zones occur especially behind drops in the landscape and in wind-loaded gullies and bowls.

Snowpack

By Tuesday evening, approximately 20cm of fresh snow is expected. Stormy westerly to northwesterly winds will transport the snow, generate fresh snowdrift accumulations, particularly above the timberline.

Tendency

Initially, no significant change anticipated

Danger level

1800m

Persistent weak layer		1800m
Wind slab		Treeline

Beware of fresh and snow-covered wind slabs in combination with persistent weak layers

The avalanche risk is considerable above 1800 m and low below. On slopes of all aspects, medium-sized slab avalanches can easily be triggered by individuals in some places. Surface-triggered avalanches can tear through to deeper layers. In particular on north-west to north to east-facing slopes above 1800 metres. Danger areas increase with altitude, some of them are barely recognisable and require a defensive choice of route. Take care in particular near transitions from little to much snow, behind terrain edges, in the entrance areas to steep gullies and bowls and also in the forest boundary area or in forest aisles. Cracks when stepping on the snowpack are a sign of danger.

Snowpack

Another 10 to 25 cm of new fallen snow, even more in places. This, and the snow of the past few days, is extensively transported and is very prone to triggering. Fresh and older wind slab snow overlaid with soft layers of faceted crystals and deep rime. In wind-protected, shady areas above around 2000 metres, surface hoar has also been snowed in to some extent. Fractures occur either in soft layers near the surface or around the crust that forms the transition to the completely angular old snowpack. In general, areas with little snow alternate with sometimes considerable snowdrift accumulations in a confined space with overall snow depths that are well below average.

Tendency

Snowdrift accumulations remain prone to triggering, the persistent weak layer problem remains.

Danger level

treeline

Wind slab		Treeline
Persistent weak layer		1800m

Caution - due to prone to triggering and persistent weak layer problems, there is a considerable risk of slipping!

The avalanche risk is considerable above the tree line in some areas. In the eastern sector, on the south and north sides, there are prone-to-triggering avalanches in some areas, which can be triggered as medium slab avalanches in filled-in steep slopes, in blown-in steep bowls and gullies even with low additional loads. The hard-to-recognise individual avalanche prone locations due to the persistent weak layer problem in northern to eastern steep slopes remain unchanged. Here, snow slabs can also be triggered by individuals. This is the case both in drifts and in persistent weak layers. In areas with a lot of new fallen snow, naturally triggered avalanches are also possible in steep terrain.

Snowpack

With the strong, sometimes stormy and changing winds, older and fresh drifts that are prone to triggering are increasingly present at higher altitudes in many aspects and are poorly bonded to the old snowpack. In the higher elevations, this also contains largely unchanged faceted crystals close to the ground on the north and shady slopes, some of which are floating snow. The snowpack is still very unevenly distributed, even at higher altitudes there is only a little snow, often the last new fallen snow lies on bare ground.

Tendency

In the coming days, too, it is essential to watch out for wind slabs, some of which are covered, and the persistent weak layer problem.

Danger level

treeline

Wind slab		Treeline
Persistent weak layer		Treeline

Significant avalanche danger above the tree line!

The avalanche risk increases rapidly with altitude and is assessed as considerable above the tree line. The persistent weak layer problem is still present and is currently exacerbated by fresh wind slab. The avalanche prone locations are from north-west to south-east on slopes that have been blown in, in terrain adjacent to ridgelines and at the entrances to gullies and bowls. Medium-sized slab avalanches can be triggered by individuals.

Snowpack

Up to 30 cm of new fallen snow has fallen since Saturday, with a few centimetres more to come on Tuesday. Stormy north-westerly winds led to extensive drifting. Some of the fresh wind slab snow contains weak layers and the snow base, fundament is weakened by snow-covered surface hoar and floating snow.

Tendency

It will remain largely free of precipitation on Wednesday and the frost at higher altitudes will weaken. On Thursday, an Adriatic low pressure system from the south-west will bring snow and rain at low altitudes. No change in the avalanche risk for the time being.

Danger level

1200m

Gliding snow

1200m

Increased amount of new snow in the highest parts of the mid-mountains, snowdrift accumulations

Blowing snow, gliding avalanches.

In particular, even a small additional load can trigger a small avalanche on snowdrift accumulations. Gliding avalanches also occur on steep, smooth slopes.

Snowpack

The old snow cover is made up of layers of bonded snow that are already somewhat compacted and mostly well connected. A depth hoar has formed at the interface between the snowpack and the ground.

Tendency

The danger of avalanches will remain similar.

Danger level

treeline

Persistent weak layer		Treeline
Wind slab

Fresh wind slab leads to an increase in avalanche danger above the tree line!

The avalanche risk is moderate above the tree line and low below. There is still a persistent weak layer problem. In addition, fresh wind slab is to be expected. The avalanche prone locations are mainly, but not only, on north to east facing slopes above the tree line. Here, fresh and older snowdrift accumulations can be triggered by individuals as slab avalanches in a few places.

Snowpack

Up to 15 cm of new fallen snow has fallen in the north since Saturday, with a few centimetres more to come over the course of Tuesday. Stormy north-westerly winds led to drifts. The snow base, fundament is weakened by snow-covered surface hoar and floating snow.

Tendency

It will remain largely free of precipitation on Wednesday and the frost at higher altitudes will weaken. On Thursday, an Adriatic low pressure system from the south-west will bring snow and rain at low altitudes. No change in the avalanche risk for the time being.

Danger level

treeline

Wind slab		Treeline
Persistent weak layer		Treeline

Pay attention to fresh, prone to triggering wind slab.

Above the tree line there is a moderate avalanche risk (level 2). Soft new fallen snow is transported by strong westerly to north-westerly winds and fresh snowdrift accumulations form, especially in the north, east and south aspects, adjacent to ridgelines and in steep gullies and bowls. These can be triggered by individual winter sports enthusiasts as slab avalanches, especially in the transition from a little to a lot of snow. There is still a persistent weak layer problem on shady slopes at high altitudes. Avalanches can occasionally tear through angular weak layers and reach medium size.

Snowpack

Above around 1000 m, another 10 to 25 cm of new fallen snow will fall, which will be transported by strong north-westerly winds. Fresh drift snow packs are lying on decomposed snow or older drift snow layers and are prone to triggering in places. Underneath, the old snowpack is unfavourably structured in places with crusts and faceted crystals. There are weak layers both at the transitions to the wind slab and within the old snowpack.

Tendency

The avalanche risk remains moderate in the Ybbstal Alps above the tree line. It will continue to snow in places during the night into Wednesday. The precipitation will gradually subside on Wednesday morning. There will be no precipitation in the afternoon.

Danger level

1800m

Persistent weak layer		1800m
Wind slab		Treeline

Fresh wind slab snow overlays persistent weak layer problem

The avalanche risk is moderate above 1800 metres and low below. Especially in the sectors from north-west to north to south, slab avalanches can be triggered by individuals in some places. Avalanches in wind slabs usually remain small. Avalanches that are triggered in persistent weak layers in deep weak layers or tear through these weak layers can reach medium size. Be careful in particular near transitions from little to more snow and in the blown-in entrance areas to steep gullies. Avalanche prone locations are sometimes difficult to recognise and require a defensive choice of route. In the areas bordering on the "considerable" avalanche prone location, avalanches are more frequent and can become larger.

Snowpack

Another 5 to 10 cm of new fallen snow. This, and the snow of the past few days, is extensively transported and is prone to triggering. Within the snowpack, bonded snow overlays soft, angular layers. In wind-protected, shady areas above around 2000 metres, surface hoar has also been snowed in in places. Fractures occur either in soft layers near the surface or around the crust that forms the transition to the completely built-up old snow foundation. In general, areas with little snow alternate with sometimes considerable snowdrift accumulations in a confined space, with overall snow depths well below average.

Tendency

With some new fallen snow and wind, fresh snowdrift accumulations continue to form.

Danger level

1500m

Wind slab

1500m

Low avalanche danger, watch out for fresh pillows of wind drifted snow at high altitudes.

At high altitudes, there are sometimes considerable snowdrift accumulations in steep gullies and bowls. These are prone to triggering, especially in the transition from a little to a lot of snow. Tearing through weak layers of old snow is possible, but avalanches remain small. The risk of tearing and falling outweighs the risk of burial. Hardness or icy surfaces can be covered by little new fallen snow and be difficult to recognise.

Snowpack

At high altitudes, there is a considerable amount of wind slab snow in places in gullies and bowls. The new fallen snow of the last few days has also been transported. The snow thickness is rapidly decreasing distant from ridgelines. Above 1500 m, thin pillows of wind drifted snow can be found in northern and eastern exposures, while windward areas are often icy and snow-poor. Below 1500 m, a snowpack of up to 10 cm has formed on mostly bare ground.

Tendency

The avalanche danger remains low. It will still snow intermittently during the night to Wednesday. There will be no precipitation during the day.

Danger level

Wind slab

Little new fallen snow.

Low avalanche danger, but beware of fresh pillows of wind drifted snow!

The avalanche risk is low. Small slab avalanches can be triggered in extremely steep gullies and bowls in isolated places at high altitudes.

Snowpack

A little new fallen snow and strong winds led to the formation of pillows of wind drifted snow. The wind slab lies on a hardness of old snowpack or on a soft layer. In the higher elevations, angular snow crystals continue to weaken the stability on shady slopes.

Tendency

It will remain largely free of precipitation on Wednesday and the frost at higher altitudes will weaken. On Thursday, an Adriatic low pressure system from the south-west will bring snow and rain at low altitudes. The avalanche risk will remain low for the time being.