Danger level

2000m

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

Winter sports enthusiasts beware: still high avalanche danger widespread

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 generated, but they are difficult to recognize since constantly getting blanketed with fresh snowfall. Fresh snow and drifts have settled somewhat, but bonding to the unfavorable is usually weak. Large avalanche releases from artificial (explosive) triggerings and triggerings by winter sports enthusiasts confirm just how prone to triggering the snowpack is.

Tendency

Avalanche danger is slowly diminishing. For winter sports enthusiasts the situation remains treacherous.

Danger level

1700m

New snow		1700m
Wind slab		1700m
Persistent weak layer		1700m
Wet snow		1700m

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

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

Snow will fall in the high alpine regions during the day, with southerly winds spreading new fallen snow and building up larger snowdrift accumulations. Spontaneous avalanches will occur. In the current conditions, we advise against visiting the high alpine regions! Areas of blowing snow are more dangerous and can trigger a major Avalanche. New fallen snow will put additional load on the old snow cover. This may exceed the load-bearing capacity of the deeper Weak layers and trigger a deep and large avalanche. Such weak layers are abundant, especially in the axis above the forest, but are not excluded elsewhere. In parts of the mid-mountains where it rains, the rain will wet and labyrinth the snowpack. Wet snow avalanches and gliding avalanches may occur.

Snowpack

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

At the end of last week, there were a few centimetres to 20 cm of New fallen snow above an altitude of around 1400 m. The old snow cover is made up of layers of bonded snow that are already somewhat compacted. Deep below the surface, the Old snow cover contains several weak layers of shreds and coarse grains. This base will receive 60-80 cm of new fallen snow in the high alpine regions on Thursday, with snowfall intensifying in the middle of the day. The snow line will be between 1000 m and 1500 m, rising during the day.

Tendency

Snow conditions will remain challenging in the coming days.

EARLIER

Danger level

treeline

Wind slab		Treeline
Wind slab		Treeline
Persistent weak layer		1800m

LATER

Danger level

treeline

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 in the morning and increases to high during the daytime changes, below it it is moderate. 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 and become large, especially in the afternoon with the renewed snowfall. 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. Individual gliding avalanches are also possible.

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

Wind slab		Treeline
Wind slab		Treeline
Persistent weak layer		1800m

Considerable avalanche danger at high altitudes.

Considerable avalanche danger prevails. Avalanches can easily be triggered by one single winter sports enthusiast. Danger zones occur on steep slopes in all aspects, 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 generated, but they are difficult to recognize since constantly getting blanketed with fresh snowfall. Fresh snow and drifts have settled somewhat, but bonding to the unfavorable is usually moderate-to-weak.

Tendency

Depending on amounts of fresh snow, avalanche danger could increase again regionally during the course of the day.

Danger level

1700m

New snow		1700m
Persistent weak layer		1700m
Wind slab		1700m
Wet snow		1700m

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

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

Snow will fall in the high alpine regions during the day, with southerly winds spreading new fallen snow and building up larger snowdrift accumulations. Spontaneous avalanches are possible. Conditions are challenging and avalanche danger will increase during the day! Areas of blowing snow are more dangerous, where a major Avalanche may be triggered. New fallen snow will put additional load on the old snow cover. This may exceed the load-bearing capacity of deeper Weak layers and trigger a deep and large avalanche. Such weak layers are abundant, especially in the axis above the forest, but are not excluded elsewhere. In parts of the mid-mountains where it rains, the rain will wet and labyrinth the snowpack. Wet snow avalanches and gliding avalanches may occur.

Snowpack

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

At the end of last week, there were a few centimetres to 10 cm of New fallen snow above an altitude of around 1400 m. The old snow cover is made up of layers of bonded snow that are already somewhat compacted. Deep below the surface, the Old snow cover contains several weak layers of shreds and coarse grains. This base will receive 30-50 cm of new fallen snow in the high alpine regions on Thursday, with snowfall intensifying in the afternoon. The snow line will be between 1000 m and 1500 m, rising during the day.

Tendency

Snow will continue on Thursday evening and into Friday night. The danger of avalanches will increase.

EARLIER

Danger level

treeline

Wind slab		Treeline
Persistent weak layer		2000m

LATER

Danger level

treeline

New snow		Treeline
Persistent weak layer		2000m
New snow		Treeline

The avalanche danger is high!

The avalanche danger soon increases from considerable to high above the tree line, and from low to moderate below. The situation is dangerous for winter sports. On slopes of all aspects (and especially in the foehn corridors), medium to large slab avalanches can be triggered very easily in some places (including remote triggering) by individuals. Naturally triggered avalanches also occur. In particular on north-west to north to east-facing slopes above 2000 metres, surface-triggered avalanches can break through into deeper layers and become very large. Danger areas are sometimes barely recognisable and require a very defensive choice of route. Fresh avalanches, cracks in the snowpack and booming noises indicate danger.

Snowpack

From Sunday to Thursday, about half a metre of new fallen snow was transported extensively and is very prone to triggering. Fresh (from today, Thursday) foehn drift snow and older, over-snowed wind slab snow overlay soft layers of faceted crystals and deep frost. In wind-protected areas, on shady slopes above about 2000 m, on sunny slopes above 2400 m, some surface hoar has also been snowed in. 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.

Tendency

The avalanche danger is slowly decreasing on Friday.

Danger level

treeline

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 easily be triggered with little 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, 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 occasionally 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

Wind slab		Treeline
Persistent weak layer		2000m

Fresh wind slab and weak persistent weak layer

The avalanche risk is considerable above the tree line and low below. Especially in the sectors from north-west to north to south, slab avalanches can easily be triggered by individuals in some places. Avalanches reach medium size and can tear through the persistent weak layer. Be careful in particular near transitions from little to more snow and in the blown-in entrance areas to steep gullies. Some avalanche prone locations are difficult to recognise and require a defensive choice of route.

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 below-average overall snow depths.

Tendency

On Friday, a northerly foehn will form fresh wind slabs.

Danger level

treeline

Wind slab		Treeline
Persistent weak layer		Treeline

Caution - easily triggered loads!

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		2000m

Fresh and older wind slabs are 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

From Sunday to Tuesday, 20 cm to 60 cm of new fallen snow was transported extensively and is very prone to triggering. On Thursday, too, the wind (from the south in the morning, from the north in the afternoon) formed fresh wind slabs. A break usually occurs between the last wind slab and layers of fresh snow, in some places 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 danger remains similar on Friday.

Danger level

treeline

Wind slab		Treeline
Persistent weak layer		2000m

Avoid fresh wind slab!

The avalanche risk is considerable above the tree line and low below. The situation is precarious for winter sports. In some places, medium-sized slab avalanches can easily be triggered by individuals on slopes of all aspects and especially in foehn corridors. In particular on north-west to north to east-facing slopes above 2000 metres, 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 on very steep terrain.

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.

Tendency

On the main ridge and in Lungau, a strong northerly foehn will blow on Friday, forming fresh wind slab. The avalanche risk remains considerable above the tree line.

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

Heavy snowfall is expected during the night from Thursday to Friday. The risk of avalanches is increasing.

Danger level

treeline

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.

EARLIER

Danger level

treeline

Wind slab		Treeline
Persistent weak layer		Treeline

LATER

Danger level

treeline

Wind slab		Treeline
Persistent weak layer		Treeline

Fresh wind slab, avalanche danger increases in the afternoon!

The avalanche risk is moderate above the tree line in the morning and low below. In the afternoon, the avalanche danger increases to considerable! The persistent weak layer problem is still present and is increasingly exacerbated by fresh wind slab from midday. The avalanche prone locations are mainly on north to south-east facing slopes above the tree line. Here, snowdrift accumulations in many places can be triggered by individuals as slab avalanches.

Snowpack

A total of up to 20 cm of new fallen snow has fallen since Saturday. Stormy north-westerly winds and later southerly winds led to drifts. Around 10 cm of new fallen snow will be added on Thursday afternoon. The snow base, fundament is weakened by snow-covered surface hoar and floating snow.

Tendency

Heavy snowfall is expected during the night from Thursday to Friday. The risk of avalanches is increasing.

Danger level

treeline

Persistent weak layer		Treeline
Wind slab

Fresh wind slab, moderate 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 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 some places.

Snowpack

A total of up to 20 cm of new fallen snow has fallen since Saturday. Stormy north-westerly winds and later southerly winds led to drifts. The snow base, fundament is weakened by snow-covered surface hoar and floating snow.

Tendency

Heavy snowfall is expected during the night from Thursday to Friday. The risk of avalanches is increasing.

Danger level

treeline

Wind slab		Treeline
Persistent weak layer		Treeline

Note fresh snow packs prone to triggering.

Above the tree line there is moderate avalanche danger (level 2). The soft new fallen snow was transported by strong west to north-westerly winds. Fresh snowdrift accumulations have formed, especially in the north to south-east aspects. Adjacent to ridgelines and in gullies and bowls, these can be triggered by winter sports enthusiasts as slab avalanches in some places. Occasional triggering is 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

In the last few days, 10 to 20 cm of new fallen snow has fallen across the region, with more than 20 cm locally in the Ybbstal Alps. The snow was transported by strong westerly to north-westerly winds. The fresh drift snow packs are lying on decomposed snow or older drift snow layers and are prone to triggering in places. The underlying old snowpack is unfavourably structured in places with crusts and embedded faceted crystals. There are weak layers both at the transitions to the wind slab and within the old snowpack. With the onset of precipitation, some new fallen snow will be added in the afternoon above around 1000 metres, below which rain or sleet may moisten the snowpack.

Tendency

Heavy precipitation will spread from the south-east during the night to Friday. The snowfall level is in the valleys. By Friday morning, 10 to 25 cm of new fallen snow will have fallen. The avalanche risk increases slightly on Friday.

Danger level

1200m

Gliding snow		1200m
Wet snow		1200m

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

Wet snow avalanches and gliding avalanches.

Showers will occur during the day, with rain mainly outside the highest peaks. The rain will wet and labyrinth the snowpack. Wet snow avalanches and gliding avalanches may occur.

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.

EARLIER

Danger level

Wind slab

LATER

Danger level

treeline

Wind slab

Treeline

Little new fallen snow.

Increase in avalanche danger due to fresh wind slab!

The avalanche risk is still low in the morning and increases to moderate in the afternoon above the tree line. In some places at high altitudes, adjacent to ridgelines and in entrances to gullies and bowls, fresh pillows of wind drifted snow in the north-west to south-east aspect can be triggered as mostly small slab avalanches.

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

Heavy snowfall is expected during the night from Thursday to Friday. The risk of avalanches is increasing.

Danger level

Wind slab

Low avalanche danger, but still isolated avalanche prone locations in gullies and bowls.

With strong westerly to north-westerly winds, drift snow packs have formed in gullies and bowls as well as behind terrain edges. These can occasionally be triggered as small slab avalanches. In shady gullies and bowls, it is possible to tear through weak layers of old snow, but avalanches will remain small. Localised wet snow slides cannot be ruled out below around 1000 m due to rain in the afternoon.

Snowpack

The new fallen snow of the last few days has been transported by the wind in exposed areas. In the aspects from north to east to south, drift snow packs have formed in gullies and bowls. Below 1000 metres there is usually only a thin snowpack. With the onset of precipitation, some new fallen snow will be added in the afternoon above around 1000 metres, below which rain or sleet may moisten the snowpack.

Tendency

Heavy precipitation will spread from the south-east during the night to Friday. The snowfall level will be in the valleys. By Friday morning, 10 to 20 cm of new fallen snow will be widespread, with up to 30 cm possible locally. The risk of avalanches increases on Friday.