Slab avalanches can still be triggered easily and naturally triggered avalanches must be observed!
The avalanche risk is considerable at higher altitudes and moderate below. In steep terrain, especially in the northern and shaded areas, slab avalanches can be triggered by even a small additional load. There are avalanche prone locations, for example at terrain transitions and transitions from more to less snow. Depending on the altitude and aspect, spontaneous slab avalanches or wet snow avalanches must be taken into account. They mainly reach medium size, but can also tear through to the ground and therefore become somewhat larger.
Snowpack
The very mild temperatures and strong incoming radiation have already allowed the snowpack to settle a little. However, there are still weak layers at high altitudes and especially on shady slopes. Furthermore, the snow base, fundament is high up and weakened on the shady slopes due to the kinetic metamorphism. Due to the mild temperatures and the strong incoming radiation, the snow surface is rapidly losing firmness.
Tendency
No significant change in the avalanche situation.
Danger level
1800m
Avalanche Problem
Wet snow
1800m
Wet snow
1800m
Persistent weak layer
1800m
Be careful on very steep slopes in the touring area - persistent weak layer problem!
The avalanche danger is assessed as considerable (level 3) from 1800 metres. It will remain very mild during the night and spontaneous avalanches are still possible in the early morning from avalanche paths that have not yet been discharged. The avalanches can tear through to the ground in the northern sector (documented avalanches on Wednesday impressively demonstrated the situation). In the touring area, releases are possible in very steep gullies and bowls on the shady slopes with little additional load.
Medium to large gliding avalanches can slide from grass mats at any time.
Snowpack
The warming has already allowed the snowpack to settle a little. Due to the mild temperatures and solar radiation, the snowpack is rapidly losing its firmness. On the northern slopes, the kinetic metamorphism (cup crystals in the snow layer close to the ground!) continues to weaken the snowpack.
Tendency
Continuation of high pressure weather with a frost line at an altitude of 2700 metres. Daytime changes in avalanche danger are expected.
EARLIER Danger level
2000m
Avalanche Problem
Persistent weak layer
2000m
LATER Danger level
2000m
Avalanche Problem
Persistent weak layer
2000m
Wet snow
2400m
Daytime rise in wet-snow activity. Backcountry touring terrain: weak old snow.
Well settled fresh snow and drifts blanket a weak old snowpack. Where the surface cannot bear loads, avalanches can be triggered even by one single winter sports enthusiast, esp. in little-skied terrain on west-, north- and east-facing slopes. Danger zones occur especially. in places where snow is shallow and in transitions from shallow to deep snow, as well as near ridgelines. Remote triggerings are possible. Avalanches can grow to large size, then flow over flat slope passages. Due to daytime warming and solar radiation, wet loose-snow avalanches can be expected, especially. on steep south-facing slopes below 2200m. On west and east-facing slopes where there is little now, these can fracture down to deeper layers and then grow to large size. On steep grass-covered slopes, glide-snow avalanches can release. Zones with glide cracks should under all circumstances be avoided.
Snowpack
The deep fresh snow and drifts of last week have settled well for the most part. Due to nocturnal outgoing radiation, a melt-freeze crust forms which is often capable of bearing loads on sun-exposed slopes up to 2200m. In the lowermost part of the snowpack widespread are large-sized cup-shaped crystals without any bonding. The unusual avalanche activity of last week confirms just how prone to triggering the old snowpack really is, and apart from heavily-skied routes this trigger-sensitivity persists in starting zones which have not yet discharged.
Tendency
As a result of high-pressure weather conditions, the daytime rise in avalanche danger persists. The situation for winter sports enthusiasts remains treacherous in little-skied terrain.
EARLIER Danger level
treeline
Avalanche Problem
Persistent weak layer
Treeline
Wet snow
2200m
LATER Danger level
treeline
Avalanche Problem
Persistent weak layer
Treeline
Wet snow
2200m
Moisture penetrates into poor persistent weak layers
The avalanche risk is low at low altitudes in the morning and rises rapidly to level 3 everywhere due to heat and radiation. In addition, from the tree line onwards, especially medium, but sometimes also large dry slab avalanches can easily be triggered by individuals in some places (even from a distance). All aspects are affected, but increasingly the north-east sector. Danger areas are difficult to recognise away from obvious pillows of wind drifted snow, which is why caution and a defensive choice of route is still advised. This applies in particular in the area of the tree line and in forest aisles. As the snowpack softens, spontaneous wet loose snow and gliding avalanches are to be expected on the sunny slopes, in low to medium altitudes also in the northern sector. It is also possible for skiers to release wet snow slabs. Loose snow slides can easily tear through the drift and persistent weak layer and reach dangerous sizes.
Snowpack
The upper part of the snowpack is made up of several slab thicknesses of new fallen snow from the last week, which was influenced by the wind. Especially at the beginning, snow fell with less wind and at colder temperatures, which is why soft layers are also embedded. These overlay even older wind slab snow, which in turn lies on an unfavourable base of faceted crystals and deep rime. Fractures primarily occur between the last snow packs, but can also penetrate through to the old snow foundation, which is usually completely transformed. During the night, a mostly stable melt cover forms, which softens quickly during the day with the warmth. In places with little snow, the snowpack is already approaching isothermal conditions.
Tendency
Only a slow decline in the risk due to poor old snow cover.
EARLIER Danger level
treeline
Avalanche Problem
Persistent weak layer
Treeline
Wet snow
2200m
LATER Danger level
treeline
Avalanche Problem
Persistent weak layer
Treeline
Wet snow
2200m
Moisture penetrates into poor persistent weak layers
The avalanche risk is considerable above the tree line. Below this, it is low in the morning and quickly increases to moderate danger everywhere due to heat and radiation. Above the tree line, medium and sometimes large dry slab avalanches can easily be triggered by people in some places. All aspects are affected, but increasingly the north-east sector. Danger areas are difficult to recognise away from obvious pillows of wind drifted snow, which is why caution and a defensive choice of route is still advised. This applies in particular in the area of the tree line and in forest aisles. As the snowpack softens, spontaneous wet loose snow and gliding avalanches are to be expected on the sunny slopes, including in the northern sector at low to medium elevations. It is also possible for skiers to release wet snow slabs. Loose snow slides can easily tear through the drift and persistent weak layer and reach dangerous sizes.
Snowpack
The upper part of the snowpack is made up of several layers of new fallen snow from the last week, which was influenced by the wind. Where there was a significant old snowpack before the snowfall, the foundation has been completely transformed and is cohesionless. Fractures primarily occur between the last snow packs, but can penetrate through to this deep snow pack under greater load. During the night, a mostly stable melt cover forms, which softens quickly during the day with the heat. In some places, isothermal conditions are already reached.
Tendency
Only a slow decline in the risk due to poor old snow cover.
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.
EARLIER Danger level
2500m
Avalanche Problem
Wet snow
2500m
Wind slab
Treeline
Persistent weak layer
1700m
LATER Danger level
Avalanche Problem
Wet snow
Wind slab
Treeline
Persistent weak layer
1700m
As the weather warms up, the danger of wet snow avalanches has increased. Blowing snow in the high alpine regions!
The main danger will be wet snow avalanches and gliding avalanches. As the weather warms up during the day, the danger of triggering, especially on sunny slopes, will increase significantly.
However, there are still a number of places in the high alpine regions with blown snow, where a larger avalanche could be triggered by a higher load. 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. There are many such weak layers, especially on axis above the forest.
Snowpack
dp.1: deep persistent weak layer dp.10: springtime scenario
The old snow cover is made up of layers of bonded snow that are already somewhat compacted, and which are mostly well connected to each other. Deep below the surface, several weak layers of faceted snow crystals and coarse grains occur in the old snow cover.
This base was covered by 50 to 80 cm of new fallen snow during the last snowfall in the high alpine regions, which has already begun to settle to some extent. The warmer temperatures and sunshine have led to the formation of a more or less distinct Crust. The snow is drying out during the day and freezing at night. The snowpack is also melting in the mid-mountains.
Tendency
The weather will continue to be quite clear and warm. Typical spring conditions are expected over the next few days. The snowpack will frost overnight in very dry conditions and will become much thinner during the day, due to the influence of the sun, up to the highest peaks.
EARLIER Danger level
1400m
Avalanche Problem
Gliding snow
1400m
Gliding snow
1400m
Persistent weak layer
1500m
LATER Danger level
1400m
Avalanche Problem
Wet snow
1400m
Wet snow
1400m
Persistent weak layer
1500m
As the temperature rises during the day, the risk of avalanches increases considerably at higher altitudes.
The avalanche danger above 1400 m increases from moderate to considerable during the daytime changes. Below that it is low. In the morning, gliding snow is the main problem at medium altitudes. Small and medium-sized gliding avalanches spontaneously release themselves on a few steep slopes with smooth ground. Staying under glide cracks should be avoided.
When the sun shines, the activity of sliding snow increases on sunny slopes and wet loose snow avalanches of up to medium size can be expected from extremely steep terrain.
In addition, weak persistent layers above 1500 metres are problematic. With large additional loads, large slab avalanches can also be triggered in isolated cases in the west, north and east aspects. Take particular care in transition areas from a little to a lot of snow.
Snowpack
Last week's heavy snow lies on a weak old snow foundation at higher altitudes. It freezes on the surface overnight and is usually stable, but softens again quickly in the sun during the day. Moisture penetration then progresses. Up to high altitudes, the snowpack is otherwise slightly moist; at medium altitudes, it is sometimes completely soaked to the ground. In shady slopes at higher altitudes, faceted crystals can be found deeper in the snowpack.
Tendency
Still spring conditions with included persistent weak layer problem.
EARLIER Danger level
1800m
Avalanche Problem
Persistent weak layer
1800m
LATER Danger level
Avalanche Problem
Wet snow
Persistent weak layer
1800m
Wet-snow avalanches during the course of the day
Due to daytime warming and solar radiation, wet loose-snow avalanches can be expected in steep terrain. Wherever there is lots of snow on the ground, these releases can grow to large size. On steep grass-covered slopes, glide-snow avalanches can occur. Zones with glide cracks on the surface should under all circumstances be avoided. Particularly on very steep shady slopes above 1800m, avalanches can fracture down to deeper-down layers inside the snowpack in isolated cases.
Snowpack
Wherever there is still snow on the ground, it is thoroughly moist-to-wet and forms a melt-freeze crust during the nocturnal hours. Only above 1800m on shady slopes are there still weak layers in places in the lower most part of the snowpack.
Tendency
As a result of high-pressure weather conditions, the daytime rise in avalanche danger persists.
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
1500m
Avalanche Problem
Persistent weak layer
1500m
Wet snow
Pay particular attention to wet snow problems and isolated persistent weak layers
The avalanche risk is moderate at higher altitudes. Wet loose snow avalanches can come loose, especially in extremely steep terrain. Spontaneous avalanche activity increases during the day with incoming radiation and warming.
Drift snow packs are prone to triggering in high, on shady slopes and can occasionally be triggered as a snow slab in steep slope zones.
Snowpack
The new and drifting snow cover has already settled somewhat and lost some of its proneness to triggering. In shady high altitudes, the old snowpack with crusts and embedded angular crystals is unfavourably structured and weakened in places. Depending on the aspect, the snow becomes damp or wet during the day changes up to high altitudes, leading to a decreasing firmness and destabilisation of the snowpack.
Tendency
With calm, high-pressure weather, the avalanche risk will slowly decrease towards the end of the week.
EARLIER Danger level
Avalanche Problem
Wet snow
Persistent weak layer
1500m
LATER Danger level
Avalanche Problem
Wet snow
Persistent weak layer
1500m
Moisture penetrates into poor persistent weak layers
The avalanche risk is considerable from the tree line upwards and moderate below. At low and medium altitudes, warmth and rainfall put a strain on the snowpack, while fresh wind slab is formed at higher altitudes. Medium to large slab avalanches can be triggered by individuals in some places. 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. At low and medium elevations, small, wet loose snow and gliding avalanches are to be expected.
Snowpack
Around 20 - 30 cm of heavy new fallen snow lies on top of the previously moistened snowpack. At high altitudes, there is an inhomogeneous and prone to triggering sequence of drifting snow layers underneath due to changing wind speeds. Where present, the old snow foundation has been completely transformed. Fractures are possible mainly between the last layers of drift snow, but deeper-lying faceted layers in the persistent weak layer or the coarse-grained base of deep rime are also affected. At low elevations, the snowpack is completely soaked and in some places isothermal conditions are reached.
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.
EARLIER Danger level
1500m
Avalanche Problem
Persistent weak layer
1500m
Gliding snow
LATER Danger level
1500m
Avalanche Problem
Wet snow
1500m
Wet snow
1500m
Persistent weak layer
1500m
The risk of avalanches increases with the amount of sunlight.
The avalanche risk is moderate above 1500 metres and low below that. Gliding snow and wet snow will become the main problem during the day changes. Overnight and in the mornings, small and medium-sized gliding avalanches occasionally release themselves on steep slopes with a smooth surface. Sliding snow activity increases with the sunlight and wet loose snow avalanches of up to medium size can then be expected from extremely steep terrain.
In addition, weak persistent layers above 1500 metres are problematic. With a large additional load, medium-sized slab avalanches can be triggered in the west, north and east aspects. Take particular care in transition areas from a little to a lot of snow.
Snowpack
Last week's snow lies on a weak old snow foundation at higher altitudes. It freezes on the surface overnight and is usually stable, but softens again quickly in the sun during the day. Moisture penetration then progresses. The snowpack is usually slightly damp, sometimes completely soaked to the ground. In shady slopes at higher altitudes, faceted crystals can be found deeper in the snowpack.
Tendency
Still spring conditions with included persistent weak layer problem.
EARLIER Danger level
1300m
Avalanche Problem
Wet snow
1300m
Gliding snow
1300m
LATER Danger level
1300m
Avalanche Problem
Wet snow
1300m
Gliding snow
1300m
Minor wet snow avalanches possible due to thawing
The snowpack of the last snowfall has become unstable as the weather warms up. The danger of wet snow avalanches has increased, especially on extreme terrain. On grassy slopes, gliding avalanches will be possible. This only applies to the highest peaks where there is some more snow.
Snowpack
dp.4: cold following warm / warm following cold
As the weather warms up, much of the snow from the last snowfall has been cleared away. The snow line is at around 1200 m. The snow freezes at night but quickly becomes harder during the day and may become unstable in places.
Tendency
Typical spring conditions are expected over the next few days.
The snowpack will freeze overnight, but during the day, with sunshine and high temperatures, the snow will change and melt more quickly.
Danger level
Avalanche Problem
Wet snow
Wet snow!
The avalanche risk is rated as low. Occasional small wet slides are possible.
Snowpack
The snowpack is wet or soaked.
Tendency
Continuation of high pressure weather with a frost line at an altitude of 2700 metres.
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.
