Daytime rise in wet-snow activity. Backcountry touring terrain: weak old snow.
Well settled fresh snow and drifts blanket a weak old snowpack. Wherever the melt-freeze crust on the snowpack surface is not capable of bearing loads, avalanches can be triggered even by one single winter sports enthusiast, particularly in little-skied terrain on west-, north-, and east-facing slopes, and on steep sunny slopes over 2600m. Danger zones occur especially in places where the snow tends to be shallow and in transitions from shallow to deep snow. Remote triggerings are possible. Avalanches can grow to large size and then flow over flat passages. As a result of daytime warming and solar radiation. wet-snow avalanches are possible, particularly on south- and west-facing slopes. If these fracture down to deeper layers inside the snowpack they can grow to large size. On steep grass-covered slopes, glide-snow avalanches can slide away. Zones below glide cracks should be avoided.
Snowpack
The large amounts of fresh snow and drifts from last week have settled well. As a result of nocturnal outgoing radiation, a melt-freeze crust often forms on the surface. On shady slopes where there has been heavy rain impact up to about 2100m, in other aspects up to about 2400m, this crust is capable of bearing loads. Due to solar radiation, the crust softens up rapidly during the day. Widespread in the lowermost part of the snowpack there are cup-shaped crystals which are unbonded. The unusual avalanche activity over the last week confirms just how prone to triggering the weak old snowpack really is. In zones which have not yet discharged, this state persists (except in heavily-skied on terrain).
Tendency
As the result of a weak cold front on Sunday, minor snowfall above 1300-1500m is anticipated. As temperatures drop, the gliding snow and wet-snow avalanche activity will decrease. At higher altitudes, the situation for winter sports enthusiasts is treacherous in little-used terrain.
EARLIER Danger level
treeline
Avalanche Problem
Persistent weak layer
Treeline
LATER Danger level
treeline
Avalanche Problem
Persistent weak layer
Treeline
Wet snow
2600m
Combined wet and persistent weak layer problem
The avalanche risk is low at low altitudes in the morning, otherwise considerable and increases rapidly everywhere due to heat and radiation to level 3, considerable. In isolated cases, large spontaneous and human-triggered wet snow avalanches can occur in all aspects during daytime changes as the snowpack softens. In addition, especially on shady slopes above the tree line, medium to large dry slab avalanches can be triggered in some places by individuals (even from a distance). 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. Loose snow slides can easily tear through the persistent weak layer and reach dangerous sizes. There is little sliding snow activity.
Snowpack
A stable melt-freeze crust forms overnight, at least on the steep sunny slopes, but this softens quickly and only allows a short firn phase. The upper part of the snowpack is then formed by several slabted layers of felt and wind slab of varying hardness (and therefore prone to triggering), 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 break through to the old snow foundation, which is usually completely transformed. In places with little snow and in deep or sunny slopes, the snowpack becomes isothermal during the day changes. The snow depth has now reached average values in some places, but is already losing mass again.
Tendency
The persistent weak layer problem in combination with moisture penetrating into ever higher and shadier areas continues to create a tense situation that is difficult to calculate in the terrain. Outgoing longwave radiation on Sunday night is severely limited.
EARLIER Danger level
1800m
Avalanche Problem
Persistent weak layer
1800m
LATER Danger level
Avalanche Problem
Wet snow
Persistent weak layer
1800m
Persistent weak layer problem in shady high altitudes!
The avalanche risk is subject to daytime changes. Conditions are still favourable in the morning. As the weather warms up and the sun shines, the avalanche risk increases considerably. Wet loose snow avalanches can still occur spontaneously in isolated cases. In addition, the triggering of wet slab avalanches is possible in some places, which can reach medium size. Triggering of dry slab avalanches is possible in very steep gullies and bowls on the shady slopes with low additional load. The avalanches can tear through to the ground in the northern sector. Occasional gliding avalanches can still slide from grass mats.
Snowpack
During the night, the firmness of the snow cover surface increases briefly. Due to the mild temperatures and solar radiation, the snowpack quickly loses firmness. On the northern slopes, the kinetic metamorphism (cup crystals in the snow layer close to the ground!) continues to weaken the snowpack.
Tendency
A weakly weather-effective disturbance zone will touch the Styrian mountains on Sunday. The passage will be largely dry, with only some regional snowfall above 1600 metres and rain below. From Monday, high pressure will prevail again with mostly sunny conditions. A slight decrease in the risk of avalanches is expected.
EARLIER Danger level
1800m
Avalanche Problem
Persistent weak layer
1800m
LATER Danger level
1800m
Avalanche Problem
Persistent weak layer
1800m
Wet snow
Wet, naturally triggered avalanches are still possible from slopes that have not yet been discharged.
After a mild night, the avalanche danger will increase to moderate (level 2) during the day, especially on slopes with southern aspects. Wet loose snow avalanches may still occur spontaneously in isolated cases. In addition, triggering of wet slab avalanches is possible in some places, which can reach medium size. Triggering of dry slab avalanches is possible in very steep gullies and bowls on shady slopes with low additional load. The avalanches can tear through to the ground in the northern sector. Occasional gliding avalanches can still slide from grass mats.
Snowpack
During the night, the firmness of the snowpack increases slightly. Due to the mild temperatures and solar radiation, the snowpack quickly loses firmness. On the northern slopes, the kinetic metamorphism (cup crystals in the snow layer close to the ground!) continues to weaken the snowpack.
Tendency
A weakly weather-effective disturbance zone will touch the Styrian mountains on Sunday. The passage will be largely dry, with only some regional snowfall above 1600 metres and rain below. From Monday, high pressure will prevail again with predominantly sunny conditions. A slight decrease in the risk of avalanches is expected.
EARLIER Danger level
treeline
Avalanche Problem
Persistent weak layer
Treeline
LATER Danger level
Avalanche Problem
Wet snow
Persistent weak layer
Treeline
Combined wet and persistent weak layer problem
Above the tree line, the avalanche risk is moderate. Below this, the danger is low in the morning and quickly increases to level 2, moderate, during daytime changes. As the snowpack softens, spontaneous and human-triggered wet snow avalanches can occur in all aspects, which usually remain medium in size but can occasionally accumulate large amounts of wet snow. In addition, medium to large dry slab avalanches can be triggered by individuals in a few places, especially on shady slopes above the tree line. 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. Loose snow slides can easily tear through the persistent weak layer and reach dangerous sizes. There is little sliding snow activity.
Snowpack
A stable melt-freeze crust forms overnight, at least on the steep sunny slopes, but this softens quickly and only allows a short firn phase. The upper part of the snowpack is then formed by several slabted layers of felt and wind slab of varying hardness (and therefore prone to triggering), 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 break through to the old snow foundation, which is usually completely transformed. In places with little snow and in deep or sunny slopes, the snowpack becomes isothermal during the day changes. The snow depth has now reached average values in some places, but is already losing mass again.
Tendency
The persistent weak layer problem in combination with moisture penetrating into ever higher and shadier areas continues to create a tense situation that is difficult to calculate in the terrain. Outgoing longwave radiation on Sunday night is severely limited.
EARLIER Danger level
treeline
Avalanche Problem
Persistent weak layer
Treeline
LATER Danger level
Avalanche Problem
Wet snow
Persistent weak layer
Treeline
Daily increase in avalanche danger due to wet snow avalanche activity
The avalanche risk is moderate above the tree line throughout the day, below it is low until the morning and increases to moderate from late morning as the day warms up and the sun shines. The activity of spontaneous, wet loose snow avalanches increases during the daytime changes. These can detach themselves from very steep rocky and craggy terrain and on very steep forest slopes, especially on sunny slopes, but rarely become medium-sized. Occasionally, small to medium-sized, wet slab avalanches can also be triggered by winter sports enthusiasts on sunny slopes. Above the tree line, small to medium-sized, dry slab avalanches can still be triggered in a few places, especially on shady steep slopes. Gliding avalanches are only possible in isolated cases on snowy steep slopes with a smooth surface (e.g. long grass or foliage). In exposed locations, the snow surface is hard and icy in places and there is a risk of falling.
Snowpack
The snow cover has settled and is less prone to triggering. The snow surface, which is usually only thinly crusted can form due to radiation, is not load-bearing and often softens quickly. Depending on the aspect, the snowpack becomes damp or wet during the day changes up to high altitudes, which leads to decreasing firmness and destabilisation. On steep grass and forest slopes with larger snow reserves, the snowpack can start to glide snow. At shady high altitudes, there are prone to triggering weak layers in the transition to the hardness of the old snowpack. This is unfavourably structured and weakened in places with embedded crusts and faceted crystals.
Tendency
The wet snow problem eases with the influence of the cold front, but the persistent weak layer problem remains in the shady slopes.
EARLIER Danger level
1600m
Avalanche Problem
Persistent weak layer
1600m
LATER Danger level
1600m
Avalanche Problem
Wet snow
1600m
Persistent weak layer
1600m
Wet snow
1600m
Split avalanche situation: wet snow and persistent weak layer problem!
The avalanche risk is initially moderate from medium altitudes. Depending on the aspect and altitude, it then increases to considerable at different speeds. The persistent weak layer problem must be observed throughout the day. In the shady and north-facing steep terrain at higher altitudes, medium to very rare large snow slabs can be triggered in places by low additional loads. The likelihood of spontaneous wet loose snow and wet to wet slab avalanches increases during the daytime changes, especially on the sunny slopes. Naturally triggered avalanches can reach medium size. If the snowpack tears through to the ground, they could occasionally become large.
Snowpack
The snowpack has already settled significantly. Nevertheless, there is a weak foundation, especially at high altitudes and on shady slopes, due to the kinetic metamorphism and some weak layers in older snow packs. During the night, the snow surface can firm up with the outgoing longwave radiation and is then initially crusted can form differently depending on altitude and aspect. The surface soon loses firmness and softens due to the mild temperatures. At high altitudes and on shady slopes, there may still be dry, soft snow.
Tendency
Temporary cooling and clouds. Watch out for persistent weak layer problems. Slight decrease in avalanche danger.
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 particularly on south- and west-facing slopes. Isolated wet-snow avalanches can grow to large size, whenever they fracture down to deeper levels of the snowpack. 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, especially where the snowpack is not capable of bearing loads.
Snowpack
During nights of clear skies, a melt-freeze crust capable of bearing loads frequently forms on the snowpack surface. Due to solar radiation, it rapidly softens up during the day. The snowpack is moist-to-wet over far-reaching areas. Above 1800m on shady slopes, there are still weak layers in the lowermost part of the snowpack fundament.
Tendency
As the result of a weak cold front on Sunday, minor snowfall above 1300-1500m is anticipated. As temperatures drop, the gliding snow and wet-snow avalanche activity will decrease.
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. In the high alpine regions, blowing snow.
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 many places in the high alpine regions with blown snow where avalanches can be triggered in particular if the load is too high. 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.
Danger level
1500m
Avalanche Problem
Persistent weak layer
1500m
Wet snow
1500m
Wet snow
1500m
Pay attention to the sinking depth and end activities in good time!
The avalanche risk is moderate above 1500 metres and low below that. Persistent weak layer is a persistent weak layer. With large additional loads, large slab avalanches can be triggered on steep slopes in the west, north and east aspects. Take particular care at high altitudes in transition areas from little to much snow and where the sinking depths are greater.
Wet snow avalanche activity increases during the day with the sunshine. Wet loose snow avalanches are then possible on extremely steep terrain that has not yet been discharged, and gliding avalanches on slopes with a smooth surface. Gliding avalanches can also occur occasionally on shady slopes and at any time of day or night. Wet snow avalanches reach medium size.
Snowpack
The snowpack has clearly settled and stabilised. On the surface, it freezes overnight in many places and softens again in the sun during the day. On the south side, firn conditions are already developing where there is still enough snow. Up to high altitudes, the snowpack is slightly damp, in medium altitudes it is partly wet to the ground. In shady slopes at higher altitudes, faceted crystals can be found deeper in the snowpack.
Tendency
Slow decline in the wet snow problem - the persistent weak layer problem remains.
EARLIER Danger level
1600m
Avalanche Problem
Persistent weak layer
1600m
LATER Danger level
Avalanche Problem
Wet snow
Persistent weak layer
1600m
Low old and moderate wet snow problem
The avalanche risk is low in the morning and quickly rises to level 2, moderate, as the snowpack softens. Naturally triggered avalanches become possible with daytime changes, and medium avalanches are still possible in isolated cases. There is also a slight persistent weak layer problem from around 1600 metres where the old snowpack has survived. Avalanches usually remain small, but can be triggered by individuals. Be careful in the higher summit areas, where prone-to-triggering snowdrift accumulations can still be found on shady slopes behind blown-off areas. There is little sliding snow activity.
Snowpack
A stable surface crust usually forms overnight, but softens quickly during the day. Underneath, there are several layers of mostly well-settled wind slabs that have already been moistened in the last few days (from the last big snowfalls at the beginning of the week). Where there was an old snowpack before the snowfall, it still contains weak layers of large faceted crystals, especially near the ground. During the day changes, the snowpack reaches isothermal temperatures in many places.
Tendency
Only slow decrease in avalanche danger due to melting snow. Outgoing longwave radiation on Sunday night is severely limited.
EARLIER Danger level
1600m
Avalanche Problem
Persistent weak layer
1600m
LATER Danger level
1600m
Avalanche Problem
Wet snow
1600m
Persistent weak layer
1600m
Wet snow
1600m
Be aware of the local persistent weak layer and wet snow problem!
The avalanche risk is moderate from the middle elevations upwards. The persistent weak layer problem must be observed throughout the day. In the shady and north-facing steep terrain at higher altitudes, medium snow slabs can be triggered in places by low additional loads. The likelihood of spontaneous wet loose snow and wet to wet slab avalanches increases during the day, especially on sunny slopes. Naturally triggered avalanches can reach medium size.
Snowpack
The snowpack has already settled significantly. Nevertheless, there is a weak foundation in places, especially at high altitudes and on shady slopes, due to the kinetic metamorphism and sometimes weak layers in older snow packs. During the night, the snow surface can firm up with outgoing longwave radiation and is then crusted can form differently depending on altitude and aspect. The surface soon loses firmness and softens due to the mild temperatures. At high altitudes and on shady slopes, there may still be dry, soft snow.
Tendency
Temporary cooling and clouds. Watch out for persistent weak layer problems. Slight decrease in avalanche danger.
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
Persistent weak layer
Treeline
Prone to triggering wind slab snow in the higher elevations! Beginning of wet snow problems at lower altitudes.
The avalanche risk is low. Nevertheless, there is a slight increase in small, wet loose snow avalanches during the day, which can spontaneously detach from very steep terrain (e.g. forest embankments). Occasionally, small wet snow slabs can also be triggered by winter sports enthusiasts. In high areas on shady slopes, it is also still possible for winter sports enthusiasts to trigger small to medium-sized, dry slab avalanches, in particular at the entrances to steep gullies and bowls.
Snowpack
The snow cover has already settled. The snow surface, which is usually only thinly crusted due to radiation, is not capable of bearing loads and often softens quickly and, depending on the aspect, becomes damp or wet during the day up to high altitudes, which leads to a decreasing firmness and destabilisation of the snowpack. At shady high altitudes, the old snowpack with crusts and embedded angular crystals is unfavourably structured and weakened in places.
Tendency
The wet snow problem eases with the influence of the cold front, but the persistent weak layer problem remains in the shady slopes.
Danger level
The distortion is progressing!
The avalanche risk is low. Occasional wet loose snow avalanches cannot be ruled out in extremely steep terrain.
Snowpack
Depending on the aspect, the snow becomes damp or wet during the day changes up to high altitudes, which leads to a decreasing firmness and destabilisation of the snowpack. The erosion is progressing!
Tendency
A weakly weather-effective disturbance zone will touch the Styrian mountains on Sunday. The passage will be largely dry, with only some regional snowfall above 1600 metres and rain below. From Monday, high pressure will prevail again with predominantly sunny conditions. No change in the avalanche risk is expected.
