The avalanche risk is high above the tree line (4) and considerable below. Individual naturally triggered avalanches are still possible and in many places medium and sometimes large slab avalanches can easily be triggered by individuals (even from a distance). All aspects are affected, but increasingly north and east-facing steep terrain. Danger areas are not easy to recognise everywhere, which is why caution and a very defensive choice of route is still advised. In low and medium altitudes, spontaneous wet loose snow avalanches and gliding avalanches are possible.
Snowpack
Abundant new fallen snow, which fell with rising temperatures and was characterised by strong winds, overlaying wind slabs from the previous days, which in turn lay on an unfavourable base of faceted crystals and deep frost. In areas protected from the wind, on shady slopes above about 2000 m and on sunny slopes above 2400 m, surface hoar has also been snowed in in places. Breaks occur primarily between the last snow packs, but can also penetrate through to the coarse-grained old snow foundation under heavy loads. High avalanche activity and very good blasting successes document the unfavourable snow layering. At low and medium altitudes, heat and rainfall put a strain on the snowpack. In some places, the entire snowpack glides on very steep, unstructured terrain.
Tendency
Precipitation will set in again, with rain falling at times up to around 2000 metres on Tuesday. Above that, 20 to 40 cm will fall. The avalanche situation remains tense.
Large amounts of fresh snow and drifts blanket a weak old snowpack. Avalanches can easily be triggered by one single winter sports enthusiast in all aspects, and then grow to large size. Danger zones are numerous, occur also near the timberline. For activities outside secured zones, conditions are extremely dangerous. Remote triggerings and naturally triggered avalanches continue to be anticipated. Particularly in starting zones which have not yet discharged, they can in isolated cases be very large-sized and plummet down to low altitude zones. Exposed transportation routes can be placed at risk. Rain impact at low and intermediate altitudes will lead to the snowpack softening up and thus, to increased frequency of naturally triggered avalanches.
Snowpack
Less than 10cm of fresh snow is anticipated, accompaned by strong-velocity winds. The large amounts of fresh snow from the last few days have been repeatedly transported in varying directions, generating far-reaching snowdrift accumulations. These are often blanketed over and difficult to recognize. Bonding to the generally weak snowpack is weak. Several large and very large sized avalanche releases due to artificial triggerings, remote triggerings and provoked by winter sports enthusiasts confirm just how trigger-sensitive the snowpack is. At low and intermediate altitudes the snowpack is softening due to rainfall.
Tendency
Avalanche danger is gradually diminishing, but the overall situation for winter sports enthusiasts remains extremely treacherous.
Danger level
1800m
Avalanche Problem
New snow
1800m
New snow
1800m
Wet snow
1800m
Slab avalanches can still release on their own.
The avalanche risk is high above 1800 metres and considerable below that. The main problem is the large amount of new fallen snow from the past week. Slab avalanches can be triggered in all aspects and altitudes by a small additional load. In very steep terrain at higher altitudes, they can also detach themselves. In extremely steep, rocky terrain, the new fallen snow is released in the form of loose snow avalanches. Avalanches can become large and penetrate as far as the flats.
Wet snow is also problematic. Due to the rainfall up to 1800 m, spontaneous loose snow avalanches of medium size can be expected from very steep terrain. On steep slopes with smooth ground, such as on meadow slopes, rock slabs or in gappy deciduous forests, gliding avalanches can be expected below open snow pockets. Exposed transportation routes can be hit by wet avalanches.
Snowpack
Snowdrift accumulations can be found in all aspects. At higher altitudes, they often lie on graupel, old surface hoar, soft intermediate layers or in the area of thin crusts on faceted crystals. Above 1800 m, there are weak layers of faceted crystals in the snowpack on shady slopes. Up to around 1800 m, the snowpack becomes soaked through rainfall. At medium altitudes, the base of the snowpack is usually wet.
Tendency
The avalanche situation remains tense.
Danger level
1800m
Avalanche Problem
Wet snow
1800m
New snow
1500m
Slab avalanches can still be triggered by individual skiers.
The avalanche risk is considerable. The main problem is wet snow. Below 1800 m, gliding avalanches on steep slopes with smooth ground, such as on mountain meadows, in gappy deciduous forest or on rock slabs, release themselves. Staying in areas below glide cracks should be avoided. Wet loose snow avalanches mainly occur in extremely steep terrain. Wet avalanches can reach medium size and hit exposed transportation routes.
The new snow problem must also be taken into account above 1500 metres. Medium-sized slab avalanches can be triggered on steep slopes of all aspects by low additional loads. The proneness to triggering increases with increasing altitude.
Snowpack
Up to 1800 m, the soaking of the snowpack by rain is progressing. At medium altitudes, the snowpack base is mostly wet. In addition, snowdrift accumulations can be found in all aspects. At higher altitudes, they are often prone to triggering on graupel, old surface hoar, soft intermediate layers or in the area of thin crusts on faceted crystals. Above 1800 m, there are weak layers of faceted crystals in the snowpack on shady slopes.
Tendency
The avalanche situation remains tense.
Danger level
1700m
Avalanche Problem
New snow
1700m
Wind slab
Treeline
Persistent weak layer
1700m
Wet snow
1700m
New fallen snow in the high alpine regions, wet snow avalanches possible in the mid alpine regions.
On Thursday and Friday, there was heavy snow in the mountains. The snow line dropped on Friday, with heavier snowfall in the east of the Alps. Current conditions are challenging.
Moderate to strong northerly winds have built up large snowdrift accumulations on the leeward sides. More dangerous are areas of blowing snow, where a small load can trigger a major Avalanche. Weak layers in the snowpack are also a problem. If the load exceeds the load-bearing capacity of the deeper Weak layers, a deep and large avalanche can be triggered. These weak layers are particularly abundant in the axis above the forest, but cannot be ruled out elsewhere.
The mountains have warmed up and the zero isotherm will rise to an altitude of around 2500 m on Sunday afternoon and evening. In the mid-mountains, the warming will lead to wet snow avalanches, with the possibility of gliding avalanches on steeper slopes.
Snowpack
dp.1: deep persistent weak layer dp.4: cold following warm / warm following cold
The old snow cover is made up of layers of bonded snow that are already somewhat compacted and mostly well connected. Deep below the surface, the old snow cover contains several weak layers of shredded and coarse grains.
50-80 cm of New fallen snow has fallen on this base during this snowfall in the High alpine regions. The snow line was mostly between 1200 m and 1500 m on Thursday, but dropped on Friday.
Tendency
Snow and weather conditions will be similar in the coming days. Under the influence of warmer weather, snow will start to change more quickly, especially in the mid-mountains.
Danger level
treeline
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
Treeline
Wet snow
Treeline
Prone to triggering wind slab snow in the higher elevations! Beginning of wet snow problems at lower altitudes.
The avalanche risk above the tree line is rated as "considerable". Stormy north-westerly winds create fresh drift snow packs in the east and south sectors, which in many places can be triggered by individual winter sports enthusiasts as medium slab avalanches. Spontaneous wet snow avalanches and smaller gliding avalanches can occur at lower altitudes.
Snowpack
Stormy north-westerly winds form fresh wind slabs. The connection between the drift snow packs and the old snowpack is not yet sufficient in places. At shady high altitudes, the old snowpack is unfavourably structured in places with crusts and embedded faceted crystals. With the arrival of rain, the snowpack at lower altitudes loses stability and can also start to glide snow on steep grassy slopes.
Tendency
The weather will deteriorate again on Tuesday night, with heavy rain and snowfall starting again after midnight at the latest. Above around 1000 metres, a good 10 to 20 cm of new fallen snow is possible by midday on Tuesday. It will remain stormy! The risk of avalanches is increasing!
Danger level
treeline
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
Treeline
Wet snow
Treeline
Avalanche prone locations due to easily triggered wind slabs and naturally triggered avalanches!
Above the tree line there is still a considerable avalanche risk, below it is moderate. Above the tree line in particular, there are prone-to-triggering drift snow packs that can occur in all aspects. Medium to sometimes large slab avalanches can be triggered by even a small additional load. Steep terrain should therefore be avoided. Avalanche prone locations are mainly adjacent to ridgelines, but also distant from ridgelines, at terrain transitions and in the entrance areas of bowls and gullies. Remote triggering cannot be ruled out. In transition areas where there is too little snow, weak layers in foundations (persistent weak layer problem) could be addressed. Below the snowfall level, spontaneous damp to wet small to medium loose snow avalanches from undischarged steep terrain are to be expected.
Snowpack
With the unstable weather, snowfall of varying intensity and strong to stormy winds from changing directions, extensive snowdrift accumulations have formed, which contain weak layers, do not bond well with the old snowpack and lie on a weak foundation. At high altitudes, the snow base, fundament still contains faceted crystals without binding, especially on the north and shady slopes, and partly floating snow. Up to the middle elevations, the snowpack was at least superficially moist due to rain, below that it is soaked to wet.
Tendency
Snowfall again with strong to stormy winds, fresh wind slab above the tree line and rain in some places up to mid-altitude. The avalanche situation remains precarious.
Danger level
treeline
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
Treeline
Persistent weak layer
Treeline
Wet snow
Treeline
Still considerable avalanche danger above the tree line!
The avalanche risk is considerable above the tree line and moderate below. Avalanche prone locations are slopes in the north-east to east to south aspects. Particular caution is required behind terrain edges and in entrances to gullies and bowls. Medium-sized slab avalanches can be triggered by individuals in many places. At lower altitudes, spontaneous wet snow slides or gliding avalanches can occur, especially on sunny slopes.
Snowpack
In the northeast to east to south aspects, there are still older snowdrift accumulations lying on a weak layer of surface hoar or faceted crystals. The snow base, fundament is weakened by faceted crystals and floating snow. At lower elevations, the snow becomes moist and loses firmness. On steep meadow slopes, the snow can begin to glide.
Tendency
Clouds will increase again on Tuesday, but hardly any precipitation is expected south of the main Alpine ridge. It will remain relatively mild.
The risk of avalanches will decrease slightly.
Danger level
1800m
Avalanche Problem
Persistent weak layer
1800m
New snow
1800m
Wet snow
1800m
Danger of slab avalanches at high altitudes, wet loose-snow avalanches at lower avalanches
Avalanches can 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 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. Rain impact is leading to a softening of the snowpack at low and intermediate altitudes; this can lead to naturally triggered, small-to-medium sized avalanches. Zones with glide cracks should under all circumstances be avoided.
Snowpack
Less than 10cm of fresh snow is anticipated, accompaned by strong-velocity winds. The large amounts of fresh snow from the last few days have been repeatedly transported in varying directions, generating far-reaching snowdrift accumulations. These are often blanketed over and difficult to recognize. Bonding to the generally weak snowpack is weak. Several large and very large sized avalanche releases due to artificial triggerings, remote triggerings and provoked by winter sports enthusiasts confirm just how trigger-sensitive the snowpack is. At low and intermediate altitudes the snowpack is softening due to rainfall.
Tendency
The situation for winter sports enthusiasts persists.
Danger level
treeline
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
Treeline
Persistent weak layer
Treeline
Wet snow
1800m
Wind slabs are easy to trigger, naturally triggered avalanches are also possible
The avalanche risk is considerable from the tree line upwards and moderate below. Medium to large slab avalanches can be triggered in some places by a single person. 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 slab. Caution should also be exercised at the edge of forests and in forest aisles. In low and medium altitudes, small to medium wet loose snow avalanches and gliding avalanches are possible.
Snowpack
Rainfall has moistened the snowpack up to altitudes of around 2000 metres, at least on the surface, and at lower altitudes it is partially moist down to the ground. At high altitudes, the new snow cover is inhomogeneous and prone to triggering due to repeated wind influences that vary in strength. Breakages are possible, especially between the last layers of drifting snow, but deeper-lying faceted layers in the persistent weak layer or the coarse-grained base of deep rime are also affected. At low and medium altitudes, heat and rainfall put a strain on the snowpack.
Tendency
Heavy precipitation sets in again, with intense rain at times up to around 2000 metres on Tuesday. Above that, there is heavy new fallen snow of 30 to 60 cm (mainly Steinberge/Hochkönig/Tennengebirge). The avalanche situation worsens again.
Danger level
treeline
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
Treeline
Persistent weak layer
2000m
Wind slab
Treeline
Consistently avoid steep drift snow areas
The avalanche risk is considerable above the tree line and moderate below. The number and extent of avalanche prone locations increase rapidly with altitude, depending on the influence of the wind. Even a single person can trigger a medium-sized slab avalanche in some places. In particular, be careful near the transitions from little to more snow and in the blown-in entrance areas to steep gullies. The fresh wind slab is usually easy to recognise and should be consistently avoided.
Snowpack
The snow surface is strongly characterised by the wind; blown-off broad ridges and crests lie close to fields of drifting snow that are prone to triggering. This bonded snow overlays soft, faceted layers, and in wind-protected, shady areas above around 2000 metres, surface hoar. 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.
Tendency
On Tuesday, 10 to 20 cm of new fallen snow with strong north-westerly winds. The avalanche danger increases.
Danger level
treeline
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
Treeline
Persistent weak layer
Treeline
Wet snow
Treeline
Significant avalanche danger above the tree line due to fresh wind slab! Wet snow problems at lower altitudes!
The avalanche risk is considerable above the tree line and moderate below. Avalanche prone locations are snow-covered slopes, in particular in the aspects from north-east to east to south. Particular caution is required behind terrain edges and in entrances to gullies and bowls. Medium-sized, occasionally also large slab avalanches can be triggered by individuals in some places. Sporadic, spontaneous, medium to large slab avalanches are also possible. Spontaneous wet snow avalanches are to be expected at lower altitudes and gliding avalanches on steep meadow slopes.
Snowpack
Over the past few days, new fallen snow and strong winds from the west to northwest have led to extensive transported snow and in some cases massive snowdrift accumulations in the aspects from northeast to east to south. There are still weak layers in the transition to the persistent weak layer. The snow base, fundament is weakened by faceted crystals and floating snow. At lower elevations, the snow has become moist due to rainfall and is losing firmness. On steep meadow slopes, the snow can begin to glide snow.
Tendency
In the first half of the night on Tuesday, the influence of disturbances from the north will increase again, with widespread rain and snowfall, some of it heavy, starting after midnight at the latest. Hotspot northern Alps west and northern Niedere Tauern, where 20 - 40 cm of new fallen snow is expected by Tuesday afternoon.
The risk of avalanches is increasing.
Danger level
Avalanche Problem
Wet snow
Wind slab
1100m
Wet snow problems at lower altitudes. Occasional prone to triggering wind slab in the higher elevations!
The avalanche risk is moderate (level 2). Spontaneous wet snow avalanches and smaller gliding avalanches can occur in steep slope zones, including forest slopes or on embankments. Due to persistent stormy north-westerly winds, isolated fresh drift snow packs are prone to triggering. Especially in the north-east to south-east sectors, slab avalanches can be triggered in a few places by individual winter sports enthusiasts.
Snowpack
With increasing moisture penetration, the snowpack loses stability at lower elevations and can also start to glide snow on steep grass and forest slopes. The connection between fresh snow packs and the old snowpack is sometimes insufficient. In shady high altitudes, the old snowpack with faceted crystals is unfavourably structured in places.
Tendency
The weather will deteriorate again on Tuesday night, with rain and snowfall starting again after midnight at the latest. It remains stormy! The risk of avalanches increases slightly!
Danger level
treeline
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
Treeline
Wet snow
Treeline
Wind slab problem at high altitudes, wet snow problem at lower altitudes.
The avalanche risk is generally moderate. Avalanche prone locations in the high altitudes are slopes with a northeast to east to south aspect. Caution is advised behind terrain edges and in entrances to gullies and bowls. Medium-sized slab avalanches can be triggered by individuals in some places. Spontaneous wet snow avalanches can occur at lower altitudes and spontaneous gliding avalanches on steep grassy slopes.
Snowpack
In the northeast to east to south aspects, older snowdrift accumulations can be found, some of which lie on a weak layer of surface hoar or faceted crystals. The snow base, fundament is partially weakened by faceted crystals and floating snow. At lower elevations, the snow becomes moist and loses firmness. On steep meadow slopes, the snow can begin to glide.
Tendency
Clouds will increase again on Tuesday, but hardly any precipitation is expected south of the main Alpine ridge. It will remain relatively mild.
The risk of avalanches will decrease slightly.
Danger level
treeline
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
Treeline
Wet snow
Treeline
Still prone to triggering wind slabs in gullies and bowls! Beginning of wet snow problems at lower elevations.
The avalanche danger is rated as "moderate" above the tree line. Stormy north-westerly winds create fresh drift snow packs, which in some places can be triggered by individual winter sports enthusiasts as medium slab avalanches. Spontaneous wet snow slides and smaller gliding avalanches can occur at lower elevations.
Snowpack
Stormy north-westerly winds form fresh wind slabs. The connection between the drift snow packs and the old snowpack is not yet sufficient in places. In shady high altitudes, the old snowpack is unfavourably structured in places with crusts and embedded angular crystals. As it warms up, the snowpack at lower altitudes loses stability and can start to glide snow on steep grassy slopes.
Tendency
The weather will deteriorate again in the night to Tuesday, with heavier rain and snowfall temporarily setting in after midnight at the latest. Above approx. 1000 m, 10 - 15 cm of new fallen snow is possible by midday on Tuesday. It will remain stormy! The risk of avalanches is increasing!
Danger level
treeline
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
Treeline
Wet snow
Treeline
Little new fallen snow.
Beware of wind slabs above the tree line! Spontaneous wet snow slides possible at lower altitudes.
The avalanche risk is moderate above the tree line and low below. Avalanche prone locations are slopes with a northeast to east to south aspect. Caution is advised behind terrain edges and in entrances to gullies and bowls. In a few places, medium-sized slab avalanches can be triggered by individuals. At lower elevations, spontaneous wet snow slides and gliding avalanches can occur on steep grassy slopes.
Snowpack
In the aspects from north-east to east to south, snowdrift accumulations can still be found, some of which lie on a weak layer of surface hoar or faceted crystals. The snow base, fundament is crusted. At lower elevations, the snow becomes moist and loses firmness. On steep meadow slopes, the snow can begin to glide snow.
Tendency
Clouds will increase again on Tuesday, but hardly any precipitation is expected south of the main Alpine ridge. It will remain relatively mild.
The risk of avalanches will decrease slightly.
Danger level
1200m
Avalanche Problem
Wet snow
1200m
Increased amount of new snow in the highest parts of the mid-mountains, snowdrift accumulations
Minor wet snow avalanches possible due to thawing
On Thursday and Friday, precipitation occurred, with rain outside the highest peaks, soaking the snowpack. As the snowfall level was high, only the highest peaks were covered with snow.
Wet snow avalanches are possible due to the thawing, with gliding avalanches possible on steeper slopes.
Snowpack
dp.4: cold following warm / warm following cold
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
Snow and weather conditions will be similar in the coming days. Under the influence of warmer weather, the snow will start to transform more quickly.
Danger level
800m
Avalanche Problem
Gliding snow
800m
Wind slab
Treeline
Gliding avalanches are possible due to thawing
On Thursday, precipitation started to appear, with rain outside the highest peaks. On Friday night, the precipitation intensified, the snow line quickly dropped and snow fell to the lowlands. Areas of blowing snow may appear around the peaks, built up by moderate to strong winds from northerly directions.
Wet snow avalanches are possible due to the thaw, and gliding avalanches are possible on steeper grassy slopes.
Snowpack
dp.4: cold following warm / warm following cold
There is little old snow cover, with snow only on the highest peaks. 30-50 cm of New fallen snow has fallen during this snowfall, possibly more in the eastern part of Pohorje and Kobansko.
Tendency
Snow and weather conditions will be similar in the coming days. Under the influence of warmer weather, the snow will start to transform more quickly.
