The large amounts of fresh snow and drifts are prone to triggering. 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 are currently dangerous.
Snowpack
The large amounts of fresh fallen snow are continually being transported, new snowdrift accumulations are being generated. Fresh snow and drifts frequently lie deposited on graupel, in wind-protected terrain also atop surface hoar or on thin, trigger-sensitive melt-freeze layers. Also older snowdrifts and the weak snowpack are being blanketed by fresh snowfall.
Tendency
Avalanche danger is slowly diminishing. For winter sports enthusiasts the situation remains treacherous.
Danger level
treeline
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
Treeline
Wind slab
Treeline
Persistent weak layer
1800m
The drifting snow situation is still tricky.
The avalanche risk is considerable above the tree line and moderate below it. The main problem is wind slab avalanches. Slab avalanches can be triggered by individual winter sports enthusiasts. Avalanche prone locations can be found adjacent to ridgelines and distant from ridgelines on steep slopes of all aspects, behind slope discontinuities and in gullies and bowls, but sometimes also 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 and occasionally become large. Cracks when stepping on the snowpack and booming noises indicate danger.
Small to medium-sized, spontaneous loose snow avalanches are possible from the steep terrain interspersed with rocks.
Snowpack
There has been up to half a metre of new fallen snow in the last few days. The snow was transported by stormy winds from westerly directions and extensive snowdrift accumulations prone to triggering have formed. They lie on soft layers of snow, graupel or surface hoar. In the upper part of the old snowpack, prone to triggering layers are embedded in thin layers of harsh snow 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
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
Treeline
Wind slab
Treeline
Persistent weak layer
1800m
Considerable avalanche danger at high altitudes.
Lots of fresh snow and drifts are prone to triggering. 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 cautious assessment of the terrain and careful evaluation of the dangers. The inexperienced should not leave secured ski runs.
Snowpack
The large amounts of fresh fallen snow are continually being transported, new snowdrift accumulations are being generated. Fresh snow and drifts frequently lie deposited on graupel, in wind-protected terrain also atop surface hoar or on thin, trigger-sensitive melt-freeze layers. Also older snowdrifts and the weak snowpack are being blanketed by fresh snowfall.
Tendency
Initially, no significant change anticipated. For winter sports enthusiasts the situation remains treacherous.
Danger level
treeline
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
Treeline
Wind slab
Treeline
Persistent weak layer
1800m
Avoid prone to triggering wind slab!
The avalanche risk is considerable above the tree line and moderate below it. The main problem is wind slab. Slab avalanches can be triggered with little additional load. Avalanche prone locations are adjacent to ridgelines and distant from ridgelines in steep slopes of all aspects, behind slope discontinuities and in gullies and bowls, sometimes also in forest aisles and clearings. They increase in number and size with altitude. Avalanches reach medium size. Cracks when stepping on 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.
Snowpack
It has snowed around 30 centimetres in the last few days, even more in congested areas. The snow was transported extensively by stormy winds from westerly directions. The fresh and older snowdrift accumulations are prone to triggering. They lie on soft layers of snow, graupel or surface hoar. In the upper part of the old snowpack, layers prone to triggering are embedded in thin layers of harsh snow 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
Avalanche Problem
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
Avalanche Problem
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.
The avalanche risk is considerable above the tree line and low below. The situation is precarious for winter sports.
On slopes of all aspects, medium-sized slab avalanches can easily be triggered by individuals in some places. In particular on north-west to north to east-facing slopes above 1800 m, avalanches triggered on the surface can tear through to deeper layers and become large. 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
In the past few days, around half a metre of new fallen snow has been transported extensively and is very prone to triggering. Fresh and older, over-snowed wind slab snow overlay soft layers of faceted crystals and deep rime. In wind-protected areas, on shady slopes above about 2000 m, 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 below-average overall snow depths.
Tendency
The avalanche danger will increase on Thursday with new fallen snow and wind.
Danger level
treeline
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
Treeline
Wind slab
Treeline
Persistent weak layer
1800m
Snowdrift accumulations are easy to trigger.
The avalanche risk is considerable above the tree line and low below it. The main problem is wind slab avalanches. Slab avalanches can be triggered even with a small additional load. 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, but also occasionally in forest aisles and clearings. They increase in number and size with altitude. Avalanches reach medium size above the tree line. Cracks in the snowpack indicate the danger.
Above 1800 m, avalanches on very steep shady slopes can also tear through to deeper weak layers in the old snowpack.
Snowpack
It has snowed around 10-20 centimetres in the last few days, even more in congested areas. The snow has been heavily transported by stormy winds from the west. The fresh and older snowdrift accumulations are prone to triggering. They lie on soft layers of snow or surface hoar. In the upper part of the old snowpack, layers prone to triggering are embedded in thin layers of harsh snow 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
1700m
Avalanche Problem
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
On Thursday, it will snow and the danger of avalanches will increase due to new fallen snow and blowing snow.
Danger level
treeline
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
Treeline
Persistent weak layer
2000m
Fresh wind slab is easy to release.
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 m, slab avalanches are still possible in persistent weak layers in a few places. 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
In the past few days, 20 cm to 50 cm of new fallen snow has been transported extensively and is very prone to triggering. A break usually occurs between the last wind slabs and layers of fresh snow, in some cases surface hoar has also been snowed in. At high altitudes, especially in northern and eastern aspects, bonded snow overlays a weak old snowpack of faceted crystals and deep frost.
Tendency
The avalanche risk increases on Thursday with new fallen snow and wind.
Danger level
1800m
Avalanche Problem
Persistent weak layer
1800m
Wind slab
Treeline
Fresh wind slab and weak persistent weak layer
The avalanche risk is moderate above the tree line 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 route choice. In the areas bordering the "considerable" avalanche prone locations, avalanches are more frequent and can become larger.
Snowpack
The snow surface is heavily treated by the wind and prone to triggering. Within the snowpack, bonded snow overlays soft, faceted layers. In wind-protected, shady areas above about 2000 m, 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 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 that are well below average.
Tendency
The avalanche risk increases on Thursday with new fallen snow and wind.
Danger level
1200m
Avalanche Problem
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
On Thursday, it will snow and the danger of avalanches will increase due to new fallen snow and blowing snow.
Danger level
treeline
Avalanche Problem
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. The persistent weak layer problem is still present and is currently exacerbated by a little fresh wind slab. The avalanche prone locations are mainly on north to south-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
Avalanche Problem
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). The soft new fallen snow was transported by strong westerly to north-westerly winds and fresh snowdrift accumulations formed, especially in the north, east and south aspects. Adjacent to ridgelines and in gullies and bowls, drift snow packs can be triggered as slab avalanches in some places by individual winter sports enthusiasts. Occasional avalanches are also possible in forest aisles. 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 an altitude of around 1000 metres, another 10 to 20 cm of new fallen snow has been brought in by strong north-westerly winds. The fresh drift snow packs have deposited on decomposed snow or older drift snow layers and are often prone to triggering. 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
A Mediterranean low will approach from the south on Thursday. During the afternoon, it will start to snow above around 1000 metres. During the night to Friday, it may snow heavily down to the valleys. Around 10 cm of new fallen snow will accumulate.
The avalanche risk remains moderate in the Ybbstal Alps above the tree line.
Danger level
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
Low avalanche danger, but still isolated avalanche prone locations in gullies and bowls.
With the strong north-westerly wind, thin pillows of wind drifted snow have formed, which can be triggered as small slab avalanches in a few places with little additional load. In shady gullies and bowls, tearing through weak layers of old snow is possible, but avalanches usually remain small. The risk of entrainment and falling outweighs the risk of burial. Hardness or icy surfaces were covered by little new fallen snow and are sometimes difficult to recognise.
Snowpack
At high altitudes, there is a considerable amount of older and mostly well-settled wind slab in some places in gullies and bowls. However, the snow thickness is rapidly decreasing distant from ridgelines. The new fallen snow of the last few days has also been transported. In the north, east and south aspects, thin pillows of wind drifted snow have formed in gullies and bowls, while windward areas are often icy and snow-poor. Below 1000 metres, a thin snowpack has formed on mostly bare ground.
Tendency
A Mediterranean low will approach from the south on Thursday. During the afternoon, it will start to snow above around 1000 metres. During the night to Friday, it may snow heavily down to the valleys. More than 10 cm of new fallen snow is expected.
The avalanche risk will remain low on Thursday.
Danger level
Avalanche Problem
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.
