Avalanche Service Lower Austria

Thursday 26 February 2026

Published 25 Feb 2026, 17:32:00


Danger level


Avalanche Problem
Wet snow
Persistent weak layer
Treeline


Wet snow problem at the bottom, wind slab problem at the top

The avalanche danger is predominantly categorised as considerable. Due to some intense snowfall and wind, there will be additional wind slab avalanches in the higher elevations. The triggering of medium to rarely large slab avalanches is possible to likely on some steep slopes due to low additional loads. Due to the local old snow problem, the snowpack can tear through to deeper layers. Above the tree line, medium to sometimes large spontaneous slab avalanches are possible. Spontaneous wet snow avalanches are to be expected below the snowfall level due to heavy rainfall.

Snowpack

In the last 24 hours, up to 40 cm of new fallen snow, the largest amounts in the Ybbstal Alps, fell with strongly changing snowfall levels. Stormy winds led to extensive drifting. The connection between the drift snow layer and the old snowpack is often insufficient. Prone to triggering weak layers in the form of snow deposits of varying hardness also exist in the bound layer in places. At shady high altitudes, the old snowpack is unfavourably structured in places with crusts and embedded faceted crystals. At medium altitudes, the snow is moist or wet. Warming and incoming radiation lead to soaking, decreasing firmness and destabilisation up to higher altitudes. The snowpack can start to glide snow on steep grass and forest slopes.

Tendency

The avalanche situation remains tense.


Danger level

1500m
Avalanche Problem
Persistent weak layer
1500m
Wet snow


Prone to triggering wind slab snow in the higher elevations! Beginning of wet snow problems at lower altitudes.

The avalanche danger is predominantly categorised as considerable. Due to some intense snowfall and wind, there will be additional wind slab avalanches in the higher elevations. The triggering of medium to rarely large slab avalanches is possible to likely on some steep slopes due to low additional loads. Due to the local old snow problem, the snowpack can tear through to deeper layers. Above the tree line, medium to sometimes large spontaneous slab avalanches are possible. Spontaneous wet snow avalanches are to be expected below the snowfall level due to heavy rainfall.

Snowpack

Between 10 and 20 cm of new fallen snow has fallen in the last 24 hours. Precipitation centred on the Wechsel region. The snow will quickly become wet on Wednesday up to the summit regions.

Tendency

The avalanche situation remains tense.


Danger level


Avalanche Problem
Wet snow


Wet snow problem with rain

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

With the influence of high pressure and a strong rise in temperatures on Wednesday, the wet snow problem will continue! The avalanche situation remains tense.