The avalanche risk is considerable from around 2000 m, below that it is low. In a few places, medium to large slab avalanches can be triggered by individuals, especially in the aspects from north-west to east. Take particular care at the transitions from little to more snow. Danger areas are difficult to recognise away from obvious pillows of wind drifted snow and a defensive route choice is therefore still advised, especially when danger signs such as booming noises, cracks and fresh avalanches occur. Gliding avalanches from steep grassy terrain as well as wet loose snow avalanches and snow slabs from sunny slopes that have not yet been unloaded are also possible in isolated cases.
Snowpack
The snowpack can cool down well overnight and crust can form. In the morning hours, the melt-freeze crust is stable, but softens again on sunny slopes during the day. In general, the snowpack on the sunny slopes is damp or wet up to high altitudes. On shady slopes, soft, faceted snow can be found on the snow surface from around 2000 metres. Where there is a bound snow slab, the connection to the faceted old snow below is still poor, weak layers can be found at the transition to the old snow as well as deeper in the old snowpack. Deep and sunny middle layers are often already tapped out.
Tendency
Beware of persistent weak layers. The number of avalanche prone locations is only slowly decreasing. The situation in the terrain is still difficult to assess.
Danger level
1800m
Avalanche Problem
Persistent weak layer
1800m
Wet snow
1600m
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
The snowpack loses firmness in the morning. The snowpack has settled. Up to the high altitudes, the snowpack became wet or moist or hard, depending on the aspect. The kinetic metamorphism (persistent weak layer problem) is still weakening the snowpack on the northern slopes of the higher elevations.
Tendency
High pressure will continue to ensure bright, sunny and dry conditions in the days that follow. At the weekend, however, Saharan dust could cause noticeable cloudiness.
Danger level
2000m
Avalanche Problem
Persistent weak layer
2000m
Weak old snowpack regionally in steep shady terrain
Avalanches can be triggered by winter sports enthusiasts, 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
Following a night of clear skies and good longwave outgoing radiation, the snowpack is well consolidated and stable. Generally there is a melt-freeze crust capable of bearing loads, which softens up during the daytime hours from east-to-south-to-west. On shady slopes at higher altitudes there are unbonded large cup-shaped crystals in the lowermost part of the snowpack. The fresh snow and drifts from last week lie deposited atop this poor fundament.
Tendency
No significant change is anticipated. The persistent weak layer problem on shady high-altitude slopes will persist.
Danger level
1800m
Avalanche Problem
Persistent weak layer
1800m
Wet snow
Persistent weak layer and increased wet snow problem during daytime changes
The avalanche risk is predominantly 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 mostly large additional loads. In some cases, naturally triggered avalanches of up to medium size are possible from unloaded steep slopes, with the warming of the day and plenty of sunshine, especially in the afternoon.
Snowpack
The snowpack has largely settled, with only some firmness on the surface overnight, but is otherwise moist up to high altitudes and often wet on sunny slopes. The snow surface quickly loses firmness depending on altitude and aspect. At high altitudes and on shady slopes, the snow base, fundament continues to be weakened by the kinetic metamorphism. In the middle sunny slopes, the snow depths have already decreased significantly again and, like at low altitude, are often bare.
Tendency
Note the persistent weak layer problem and daytime changes in wet snow avalanches.
Danger level
1900m
Avalanche Problem
Persistent weak layer
1900m
Wind slab
1900m
Wet snow
2100m
Avalanche danger in high alpine regions is moderate
There are also some places in high alpine regions with blown snow, which can trigger an avalanche 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 snowpack freezes at night, but becomes harder during the day, especially on Sunny slopes. As the snow warms up, it undergoes a more intense transformation on sunny slopes, which is less pronounced on the axis. In the old snow cover, several weak layers of shreds and coarse grains appear deep below the surface.
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
2000m
Avalanche Problem
Persistent weak layer
2000m
Consider persistent weak layer
The avalanche risk is moderate above the tree line and low below. In a few places, especially in the extended northern exposures, medium-sized slab avalanches can still be triggered by individuals, especially at the transitions from little to more snow. Occasional gliding avalanches from steep grassy terrain as well as wet loose snow avalanches and snow slabs from sunny slopes that have not yet been unloaded are also possible.
Snowpack
The snowpack cools down well overnight and crusts can form. In the morning hours, the melt-freeze crust is stable, but softens again on sunny slopes during the day. In general, the snowpack on the sunny slopes is damp or wet up to high altitudes. On shady slopes, soft, faceted snow can be found on the snow surface from around 2000 metres. Where there is a bound snow slab, the connection to the faceted old snow below is still poor, weak layers can be found at the transition to the old snow as well as deeper in the old snowpack. Deep and sunny middle layers are often already tapped out.
Tendency
Little change in avalanche danger. The persistent weak layer problem is only slowly weakening.
Danger level
1800m
Avalanche Problem
Persistent weak layer
1800m
Wet snow
In places, dry slab avalanches can still be triggered on shady slopes.
The avalanche risk is moderate above 1800 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.
During the daytime changes and with the sunlight, small loose snow avalanches can usually release themselves from the rocky steep terrain. At medium altitudes, individual small to medium gliding avalanches are possible on slopes with a smooth surface.
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 usually crust-capable of bearing loads and icy. During the day, the snow softens quickly in the sun, causing it to lose its bond. Towards the ground, the snowpack is wet in the middle layers.
Tendency
Hardly any change in avalanche danger over the next few days.
Danger level
Avalanche Problem
Wet snow
Danger of falling on hard frozen snow surfaces early in the morning and on shady slopes.
The avalanche risk is low. Wet snow is the main problem. During the daytime changes, small loose snow avalanches can detach themselves from the rocky steep terrain with the sun's rays. On very steep slopes with smooth ground that have not yet been discharged, individual smaller gliding avalanches are possible.
On shaded steep slopes at higher altitudes, medium-sized slab avalanches with a large additional load can also be triggered in isolated cases. This is particularly the case at transitions from a little to a lot of snow.
Snowpack
The snowpack is soaked up to high altitudes and wet towards the ground. A stable melt-freeze crust forms overnight. It softens again quickly in the sun and the snow loses its grip. On shady slopes, the snow surface remains hard and icy. Occasionally, weak layers of faceted crystals can be found deep in the snowpack on shady slopes at higher altitudes. However, these can hardly be triggered and are usually covered by compact or crusted can form layers of snow. On the south side and at lower altitudes, the ground is becoming increasingly paler.
Tendency
The avalanche danger 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
Following a night of clear skies and good longwave outgoing radiation, the snowpack is well consolidated and stable. Generally there is a melt-freeze crust capable of bearing loads, which softens up during the daytime hours, 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
Danger level
1800m
Avalanche Problem
Persistent weak layer
1800m
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
The snowpack will gain some firmness during the night. 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 1800 metres. Floating snow is weakening the snow layering.
Tendency
High pressure will continue to ensure bright, sunny and dry conditions in the days that follow. At the weekend, however, Saharan dust could cause noticeable clouding of the air. Avalanche risk remains the same.
Danger level
Avalanche Problem
Wet snow
Low avalanche danger. Occasional wet snow slides with warming during the day.
The avalanche risk is low. Where there are still snow reserves, small wet snow or gliding sluffs may occur in a few places as the day warms up. At higher altitudes, there is sometimes an increased risk of falling in the entrance areas to steep gullies due to icy patches. In the northern sector, there are still isolated avalanche prone locations in persistent weak layers at higher altitudes.
Snowpack
A melt-freeze crust forms overnight. 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 also persist during the day. 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, which are already well consolidated. Faceted crystals can weaken the snow base, fundament in the northern sector. There is little snow below 1500 metres.
Tendency
The avalanche risk remains low.
The sunny and very mild high-pressure weather will continue over the next few days. Due to the dry air masses, snowmelt will slow down somewhat. However, the rapid decline in snow will continue on sunny slopes.
Danger level
Avalanche Problem
Wet snow
Low avalanche danger, occasional wet and sliding snow activity
The avalanche risk is low. Small spontaneous wet snow or gliding sluffs are still possible on the few sunny slopes that have not yet been discharged in the afternoon hours. In addition, small snow slabs can still be triggered occasionally in the entrance areas of gullies and bowls on the shady slopes, but usually only with great additional load.
Snowpack
The snowpack is moist to wet and well settled right up to the summit areas. The snow surface can cool down well overnight and crust can form, but on the sunny slopes it softens again during the day. On shady slopes, there are still weak layers of large faceted crystals in the lower part of the snowpack, especially close to the ground. Low and sunny mid-altitudes are often already snowed out.
Tendency
No change in avalanche danger. Weak daytime changes in wet snow avalanche activity.
