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 route choice are 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 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 snow cover of the past week has settled, but the connection to the angular old snow underneath is still poor in places, with some weak layers at the transition to the old snow and deeper in the old snowpack. Deep and sunny middle layers are often already tapped out.
Tendency
The persistent weak layer problem continues to make the situation in the terrain difficult to assess. There will be slight daytime changes in wet avalanches on Thursday.
Danger level
1700m
Avalanche Problem
Persistent weak layer
1700m
Wet snow
2200m
Avalanche prone locations, especially at transitions from little to much snow.
The avalanche risk is moderate above 1700 metres and low below that. Persistent weak layer is a persistent weak layer. Medium slab avalanches can be triggered on shady slopes, in particular with large additional loads. Take particular care at high altitudes in transition areas from little to much snow, for example when entering gullies and bowls.
At medium altitudes, individual small to medium gliding avalanches are possible on slopes with a smooth surface. They can occur in all aspects and at any time of day or night. Areas under glide cracks should be avoided. Smaller loose snow avalanches can also detach themselves from steep terrain interspersed with rocks when exposed to the sun.
Snowpack
On shady slopes at higher altitudes, weak layers of faceted crystals can be found deep in the snowpack. These are usually covered by compact or crusted can form layers of snow. Early in the morning, the snowpack is partially crusted of bearing loads at medium elevations and softens in the sun during the day. Towards the ground, the snowpack is wet in the middle layers and can slide off.
Tendency
The persistent weak layer problem persists.
Danger level
1600m
Avalanche Problem
Persistent weak layer
1600m
Wet snow
Weak layers in persistent weak layer!
The avalanche danger remains moderate above an altitude of around 1600 metres. There are still avalanche prone locations on shady slopes in steep terrain. Here and most likely at the transition from little to more snow, slab avalanches can be triggered by large, sometimes small additional loads. Naturally triggered avalanches are rarely possible from very steep terrain that has not been unloaded, or even more so in the afternoon due to increasing sunlight. Medium-sized avalanches are generally possible. If deeper layers are also affected, they can occasionally become large.
Snowpack
The snowpack has continued to settle somewhat, but is moist to partly wet up to high altitudes, especially on the sunny slopes. The snow surface may firm up a little overnight and varies greatly depending on altitude, aspect and time of day. At high altitudes and on shady slopes, the snow base, fundament is still weakened by the kinetic metamorphism, in some places there are still weak layers in older snow packs. In the middle sunny slopes, the snow depths have already decreased significantly, while at low altitude there is no more snow.
Tendency
It will be much milder, very sunny. Note the daytime changes.
Danger level
2000m
Avalanche Problem
Persistent weak layer
2000m
Still weak old snow regionally in steep shady terrain
Avalanches can be triggered by one single winter sports enthusiast, particularly in little-skied terrain in west-, north-, and east-facing aspects, as well as on steep sunny slopes above 2600m. Danger zones occur especially in spots where the snow is relatively shallow, and in transitions from shallow to deep snow. Avalanches can trigger down to deeper layers inside the snowpack and grow to large size. A cautious route selection and maintaining safety distances between tourers in ascent and descent are recommended. On hard-frozen steep slopes, the danger of sliding and falling require special caution. During the course of the day, naturally triggered small wet-snow avalanches are possible on sunny, steep slopes. Avoid zones below glide cracks in the surface.
Snowpack
On shady slopes at higher altitudes there are large-sized cup-shaped crystals widespread in the lowermost part of the snowpack, without bonding. The deep fresh snow and drifts from last week blanket this poor fundament. Up to higher altitudes, a melt-freeze crust occurs - mostly capable of bearing loads until late afternoon. As a result of solar radiation and daytime warming, the snowpack softens during daytime hours.
Tendency
No significant change is anticipated. The persistent weak layer problem on shady high-altitude slopes will persist.
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 snow cover of the past week has settled, but the connection to the angular old snow underneath is still poor in places, with some weak layers at the transition to the old snow and deeper in the old snowpack. Deep and sunny middle layers are often already tapped out.
Tendency
The persistent weak layer problem is only slowly weakening. Slight daytime changes in wet avalanches on Thursday.
Danger level
1700m
Avalanche Problem
Persistent weak layer
1700m
Wind slab
Treeline
Wet snow
2000m
Avalanche danger in high alpine regions is moderate
With a slight cooling and cloudy weather, the danger of wet snow avalanches has decreased.
However, there are still some places in the high alpine regions with blown snow where a heavy load can trigger avalanches. 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 snowpack freezes at night, but becomes harder during the day, especially on Sunny slopes. The old snow cover is made up of layers of bonded snow that have already melted a little, and which are mostly well connected to each other. Deep below the surface, several weak layers of faceted snow crystals and abraded grains occur in the old snow cover.
Tendency
It will clear up on Tuesday. Faster in the high alpine regions than in the mid mountains. There will be no major warming. The danger of avalanches will remain similar.
Danger level
1800m
Avalanche Problem
Persistent weak layer
1800m
Wet snow
Be aware of the persistent weak layer problem at high altitudes!
The avalanche danger is rated as moderate above 1800 metres. Wet loose snow avalanches from slopes that have not yet been discharged are still possible.
There is still a persistent weak layer problem in the northern sector: in very steep gullies and bowls on the shady slopes, triggering of dry slab avalanches is possible with large additional loads.
Snowpack
During the night, the firmness of the snowpack surface increases again briefly. The snowpack has settled. Up to the high altitudes, the snowpack became wet or moist depending on the aspect. On the northern slopes of the higher elevations, the kinetic metamorphism (persistent weak layer problem) continues to weaken the snowpack.
Tendency
High pressure will bring bright sunny mountain weather for a few days from Thursday. Please note the daytime changes in avalanche risk.
Danger level
treeline
Avalanche Problem
Persistent weak layer
Treeline
In the high altitudes, take into account the persistent weak layer problem in the northern sector.
The avalanche risk is low. At high altitudes above the tree line, there is still a persistent weak layer problem in the northern sector, especially in shady gullies and bowls. Small to medium-sized slab avalanches can occur in a few places under heavy additional load. Avalanche prone locations are mainly in the transition from little to more snow. Small wet loose snow slides are still possible in isolated areas, but most areas are already unloaded. Small gliding avalanches may also occur on steep grassy slopes.
Snowpack
Due to the very mild weather phase, the snow surface is quickly soft and moist in the morning. The melt-freeze crust can last longer in shady high altitudes. The old snowpack here is unfavourably structured and weakened in places with crusts and embedded faceted crystals. There is little snow below 1500 metres. On steep grassy slopes and forest embankments with larger snow reserves, the entire snowpack can start gliding snow.
Tendency
From Thursday, high pressure will prevail and temperatures will remain very mild. The air will become significantly drier at higher altitudes. The avalanche risk remains low.
Danger level
Little snow, the snow is falling.
The avalanche risk is low. Small loose snow slides from slopes that have not yet been unloaded cannot be completely ruled out, but most areas have already been unloaded.
Snowpack
Due to the very mild weather, the snowpack is damp and wet up to high altitudes. Only on northern slopes was a melt-freeze crust able to form in places. The faceted crystals, which have long weakened the foundation of the snowpack in shady gullies, have been largely transformed by rain and melting. There is usually only a little snow up to the summit regions.
Tendency
From Thursday, high pressure will prevail and temperatures will remain very mild. The avalanche risk remains low.
Danger level
Favorable conditions, with slight daytime rise in avalanche danger
Avalanche danger is predominantly low. Isolated danger zones occur particularly in extremely steep terrain. Small avalanche triggerings are mostly possible in relatively shallow-snow areas and in transitions from shallow to deep snow. Beware the danger of sliding and falling on hard-frozen steep slopes. During the course of the day, naturally triggered small-sized avalanches are possible on sun-basked steep slopes. Avoid zones beneath glide cracks.
Snowpack
Snowpack predominantly well consolidated and stable following a night of clear skies with good outgoing radiation. A melt-freeze crust mostly capable of bearing loads. During the course of the day the uppermost layers will soften, particularly at low altitudes and on sunny slopes. No further triggerings in older weak layers of the snowpack were registered in recent days at the Avalanche Warning Service.
Tendency
Continuing favorable conditions, with a slight daytime rise in danger of wet-snow avalanches
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.
Danger level
Persistent weak layer problem in the northern sector!
The avalanche risk is low. Wet loose snow avalanches cannot be ruled out in isolated cases on extremely steep terrain. In the Gurk and Seetal Alps, the triggering of a snow avalanche in the northern sector on extremely steep slopes cannot be ruled out.
Snowpack
During the night, the snowpack gains some firmness... The thawing is progressing! In the northern sector there is still a persistent weak layer problem in the Niedere Tauern, in the Hochschwab area but also in the Gruk and Seetal Alps above 1900 metres.
Tendency
High pressure will bring sunshine and mild temperatures. Slight daytime changes in the avalanche risk are expected.
Danger level
Avalanche Problem
Wet snow
Slight daytime changes in the risk of wet snow. Watch out for increasing sinking depths.
The avalanche risk is low. Wet snow is the main problem. Small loose snow avalanches can occasionally detach themselves from the rocky steep terrain with the sunlight. On very steep slopes of all aspects with smooth ground, individual small to medium gliding avalanches are possible. Areas under glide cracks should be avoided.
On shaded steep slopes above approx. 1700 m, medium-sized slab avalanches with a large additional load can also be triggered. The isolated avalanche prone locations are mainly at transitions from little to much snow, for example at the entrance to gullies and bowls.
Snowpack
The snowpack is soaked up to high altitudes and wet towards the ground. Overnight, a partially stable melt-freeze crust forms, which quickly softens again in the sun. Occasionally, weak layers of faceted crystals can be found deep in the snowpack on shady slopes at higher altitudes. These are usually covered by compact or crusted can form layers of snow. On the south-south side, the ground is increasingly pitting.
Tendency
The avalanche danger hardly changes.
Danger level
Avalanche Problem
Wet snow
Note isolated loose snow slides due to rain and danger of falling.
The avalanche risk is low. Wet loose snow slides are still possible in isolated cases from undischarged gullies and bowls due to rain. At higher altitudes, there is an increased risk of falling in the entrance areas to steep gullies due to the icy and hard snow surface.
Snowpack
Due to the very mild weather phase, the snow surface is quickly soft and moist in sunny locations in the morning. In shady locations, the melt-freeze crust can last longer.
At higher altitudes, the snow surface is often hard and sometimes icy due to wind and rain. There are still considerable amounts of wind slabs in the gullies and bowls, but these are usually well consolidated. There is little snow below 1500 metres.
Tendency
From Thursday, high pressure will prevail and temperatures will remain very mild. The air will become significantly drier at higher altitudes. The avalanche risk remains low.
