Avalanche Service Salzburg

Tuesday 3 March 2026

Published 2 Mar 2026, 17:00:00


Danger level

2000m
Avalanche Problem
Persistent weak layer
2000m


Consider persistent weak layer in tour planning

The avalanche risk is considerable from around 2000 m, below that it is low. In a few places, medium to large dry slab avalanches can be triggered by individuals, especially on shady slopes. Most avalanche prone locations are in the north and east sectors, at higher altitudes (from around 2400 m) they also occur on the west and south sides. Take care in the transition from little to more snow. Danger areas are difficult to recognise away from obvious pillows of wind drifted snow. Caution and a defensive choice of route is still advised, especially when danger signs such as booming noises, cracks and fresh avalanches occur. Individual gliding avalanches occur on steep grassy terrain. Wet loose snow avalanches and snow slabs from sunny slopes that have not yet been unloaded are also possible.

Snowpack

On the sunny slopes, the snowpack briefly carries a (more or less load-bearing) melt-freeze crust, below which it is moist up to high altitudes. There is still soft, dry snow on the shady slopes. The new and wind slab snow of the last week has settled and is often well connected to each other. However, the connection to the angular persistent weak layer below is still poor. Deep and sunny middle layers are often already snowed out.

Tendency

The persistent weak layer problem continues to make the situation in the terrain difficult to calculate. There will be slight daytime changes in wet avalanches on Wednesday.


Danger level

treeline
Avalanche Problem
Persistent weak layer
Treeline


Persistent weak layer remains the main danger

The avalanche risk is moderate above the tree line and low below. On shady slopes, medium dry slab avalanches can be triggered by individuals in a few places. Most likely at the transition from little to more snow. Danger areas are difficult to recognise, which is why defensive route selection is still advised. Individual gliding avalanches occur on steep grassy terrain. Wet loose snow avalanches and snow slabs from sunny slopes that have not yet been unloaded are also possible.

Snowpack

On the sunny slopes, the snowpack has a (more or less stable) melt-freeze crust for a short time, underneath it is moist to wet up to high altitudes. On the shady slopes, soft, dry snow can still be found from around 1800 metres. The new and wind slab snow of the last week has settled and is often well connected to each other. However, the connection to the angular persistent weak layer below is still poor in places. Deep and sunny mid-levels are often already snowed out.

Tendency

The persistent weak layer problem is only slowly weakening. Slight daytime changes in wet avalanches on Wednesday.


Danger level


Avalanche Problem
Wet snow


Minor wet snow problem

The avalanche risk is low. A few small, wet avalanches can occur spontaneously or be triggered by a winter sports enthusiast. Individual gliding avalanches are also possible. There is also a slight persistent weak layer problem from around 1600 metres. Avalanches can break in persistent weak layers, in particular with a large additional load.

Snowpack

The snowpack is moist to wet and well settled up to high altitudes. Where there was an old snowpack before the snowfall, it still contains weak layers of large faceted crystals, especially near the ground. Deep and sunny mid-level locations are often already snowed out.

Tendency

Slight daytime changes in wet avalanches on Wednesday.