Danger level

2000m

New snow		2000m
New snow		2000m
Gliding snow		2000m

Caution: considerable avalanche danger widespread at high altitudes

Avalanche danger above 2000m is considerable, below that altitude danger is moderate. Fresh snow and far-reaching snowdrift accumulations are easily triggered particularly on shady slopes. Slabs can be triggered by minimum additional loading and grow to medium-to-large sized releases. Settling noises when treading the snowpack can indicate imminent danger. Danger zones occur in wind-loaded steep terrain, behind sharp drops in the landscape, in gullies and bowls. The snowdrift accumulations generated over the last few days are blanketed by fresher snow, thus impossible to recognize. On very steep sunny grass-covered slopes, glide-snow avalanches can slide away and grow to medium size.

Snowpack

Over the last few days there has been lots of fresh snowfall, often transported by intermittently strong-to-stormy NW winds, frequently generating large, trigger-sensitive snowdrift accumulations. On Saturday night and during the day on Sunday, additional generally small-sized trigger-sensitive snowdrifts will accumulate due to the forecast 10cm of fresh snowfall. Inside the fresh snow and drifts of recent days there are weak intermediate layers and graupel. The old snowpack is well consolidated and compact by and large.

Tendency

As a result of fresh snow and winds, avalanche danger will increase starting on Monday.

Danger level

2000m

New snow		2000m
New snow		2000m
Gliding snow		2000m

Snow cover tests can indicate avalanche prone locations.

The avalanche risk is considerable above 2000 metres and moderate below that. The main problem is new fallen snow. Slab avalanches can be triggered with little additional load. This is especially possible in shady steep terrain adjacent to ridgelines at high altitudes and on windward slopes. Avalanches can become large. On individual, very steep, sunny slopes, medium-sized gliding avalanches can release themselves.

Snowpack

Some new fallen snow is falling on a snow surface that is powdery in the shade and crusted can form on the sunny side. In the upper metre of the snowpack, weak intermediate layers below a thin ice lense and graupel are embedded in places. In windward areas, the snow is bonded and prone to triggering. The snowpack base is compact and largely stable. Deep-lying layers of faceted crystals are difficult to disturb. On the south side, the snow is often wet towards the ground. Sliding movements on smooth ground are possible.

Tendency

With the forecast new fallen snow and wind, the avalanche risk will increase again in the next few days.

Danger level

2000m

New snow		2000m
New snow		2000m
Persistent weak layer		2200m
Gliding snow		2000m

Caution: at high altitudes, considerable avalanche danger widespread

Avalanche danger above 2000m is considerable, below that altitude danger is moderate. Fresh snow and far-reaching snowdrift accumulations are easily triggered particularly on shady slopes. Slabs can be triggered by minimum additional loading and grow to medium-to-large sized releases. Settling noises when treading the snowpack and fractures on the surface can indicate imminent danger. Danger zones occur in wind-loaded steep terrain, behind sharp drops in the landscape, in gullies and bowls. The snowdrift accumulations generated over the last few days are blanketed by fresher snow, thus impossible to recognize. On very steep sunny grass-covered slopes, glide-snow avalanches can slide away and grow to medium size.

Snowpack

Over the last few days there has been lots of fresh snowfall, often transported by intermittently strong-to-stormy NW winds, frequently generating large, trigger-sensitive snowdrift accumulations. On Saturday night and during the day on Sunday, additional generally small-sized trigger-sensitive snowdrifts will accumulate due to the forecast 10cm of fresh snowfall. Inside the fresh snow and drifts of recent days there are weak intermediate layers and graupel. Beneath a melt-freeze crust in the uppermost third of the snowpack there is often a layer of faceted crystals. The mid-section of the snowpack is well consolidated and compact widespread by and large, on shady slopes at high altitudes, it blankets a poorly structured old snowpack fundament.

Tendency

As a result of fresh snow and winds, avalanche danger will increase starting on Monday. Depending on amounts of snowfall, Danger Level 4 could be reached on Tuesday.

Danger level

1800m

New snow		1800m
Wind slab		1800m
Persistent weak layer		1800m
New snow		1800m

New and blown snow

On Wednesday, precipitation started to fall in the north during the night. The snowfall level was initially at around 1500 m and quickly dropped. The snow weakened temporarily at midday on Thursday. After the passage of a cold front, a strong northerly wind blew, carrying New fallen snow and building up new snow layers on the southern flanks. A total of 15-30 cm of new fallen snow fell in the mountains. New fallen snow and blown snow are the main dangers. Danger is increased especially on slopes and in gullies where the height of New fallen snow is greater due to snow accumulations. In addition to new fallen snow, weak layers in the snowpack deeper in the snowpack can be a local problem. These weak layers are more prevalent in the axis above the forest. In particular, a large avalanche can be triggered if the load exceeds the load-bearing capacity of these layers.

Snowpack

dp.4: cold following warm / warm following cold

15-30 cm of dry and light snow fell in the mountains. A strong northerly wind blew in with the snow, blowing the snow down to the old base in many places. The new fallen snow is only slowly consolidating with the old base. Ridges and peaks are blown down to the old base, in some places there is little old base. During the previous snowfall, there was some local fall of graupel, which is a potentially dangerous weak layer. Locally, the layers of Graupel are 5-10 cm thick, possibly more. In the old snow cover, the snow layers are mostly well connected. Deep below the surface, several weak layers of shreds and sheared grains occur, especially on the axial sides.

Tendency

There will be more clouds in the coming days, small showers are possible early next week. The danger of avalanches will remain similar.

Danger level

1400m

Wind slab

1400m

Slab avalanches can be triggered very easily in gullies!

Above 1400 metres there is a considerable avalanche risk (level 3). The stormy winds have created prone-to-triggering snowdrift accumulations in almost all aspects, which can be triggered by individual winter sports enthusiasts in some places as medium-sized, occasionally also as large slab avalanches. prone-to-triggering. The avalanche prone locations are adjacent to ridgelines and far from ridgelines. They are mainly located in steep gullies and behind terrain edges. Take particular care in the transition from a little to a lot of snow. Avalanche prone locations can be covered by fresh pillows of wind drifted snow. Defensive behaviour is recommended for winter sports in open terrain.

Snowpack

From Wednesday evening to Saturday morning, 30 to 50 cm of new fallen snow above around 1400 m fell under the influence of strong winds. The snow was transported into gullies and bowls by the stormy north to north-westerly winds. As a result, snowdrift accumulations have formed, some of which are not to be underestimated. There are weak layers within the drift snow packs and in the transition to the old snowpack. Fresh snowdrift accumulations are deposited above the tree line on top of the already prone to triggering snow packs.

Tendency

The risk of avalanches remains considerable at higher altitudes. With a northerly high-altitude current, dense clouds will accumulate along the northern side of the Alps for almost the entire Holy Week, with frequent snowfall. The north to north-westerly wind will also remain brisk to stormy, leading to the formation of new snow packs.

Danger level

1500m

Wind slab

1500m

Snowboards can easily be triggered!

The avalanche danger is assessed as considerable (level 3) above 1500 metres. The extensive snowdrift accumulations are prone to triggering, especially above the tree line. The main problem is wind slab. The avalanche prone locations are adjacent to ridgelines and far from ridgelines. They are mainly located in gullies, bowls and behind terrain edges. The layer of drifting snow can be triggered by individual winter sports enthusiasts as a medium-sized avalanche. Loose snow avalanches are also possible in isolated cases.

Snowpack

The cold temperatures at high altitude are preserving the snow layering. A lot of snow has been transported in the last few days. More snow will also fall on Sunday! The eastern and southern aspects are particularly affected. The wind slab has not yet been able to settle. The snowdrift accumulations are deposited above the tree line on a partly still weak old snowpack. Weak layers are in the bound layer or transition to the old snow, in higher elevations in places still in the persistent weak layer (faceted crystals in the area of crusts).

Tendency

The wind slab problem will persist. With a northerly high-altitude current, it will remain cloudy and often snowy along the northern side of the Alps throughout Holy Week. Although conditions are dry south of the main Alpine ridge, it is usually cloudy and windy here too.

Danger level

1200m

Wind slab		1200m
Wind slab		1200m

Beware of prone to triggering wind slabs! Avalanche prone locations are sometimes difficult to recognise due to new fallen snow!

Above 1200 metres there is a considerable avalanche risk (level 3). The stormy winds have created prone-to-triggering snowdrift accumulations in almost all aspects, which can be triggered by individual winter sports enthusiasts in some places as medium-sized, occasionally also as large slab avalanches. The avalanche prone locations are mainly in gullies, bowls and behind terrain edges. Take particular care in the transition from a little to a lot of snow. A few centimetres of new fallen snow and fresh pillows of wind drifted snow can cover the avalanche prone locations and make them difficult to see. Defensive behaviour is recommended for winter sports in open terrain.

Snowpack

From Wednesday evening to Saturday morning, 30 to 70 cm of new fallen snow fell under the influence of strong winds, resulting in large differences in snow depth. Weak layers can be found within the drift snow packs and in the transition to the mostly hardness of the old snowpack. In deep layers in northern aspects, there are still faceted crystals or floating snow in the old snowpack, but these are already interspersed with melt-freeze crusts and can hardly be disturbed. There is a little less snow at low altitudes, especially on sunny slopes. In the lower layers, the snow is moist due to the warm ground and can start to glide on very steep grass mats.

Tendency

The risk of avalanches remains considerable at higher altitudes. With a northerly high-altitude current, dense clouds will accumulate along the northern side of the Alps for almost the entire Holy Week, with frequent snowfall. Most new fallen snow is expected in the Ybbstal Alps. The north to north-westerly wind will also remain brisk to stormy, leading to the formation of new snow packs.

Danger level

treeline

Wind slab		Treeline
Persistent weak layer		2000m

Be careful above the tree line in steep terrain!

The avalanche risk is moderate from the tree line upwards. Due to the drift snow problem, there are still localised avalanche prone locations in steep terrain where slab avalanches can be triggered by even a small additional load. They are mainly adjacent to ridgelines, sometimes distant from ridgelines, at terrain transitions and in filled-in bowls and gullies. Some avalanche prone locations are covered and therefore difficult to recognise. Medium avalanches are possible. If deeper weak layers are addressed, they can rarely become large.

Snowpack

There is extensive wind slab snow above the tree line, which may still contain weak layers and is not yet sufficiently bonded to the old snowpack in places. However, the snow from the last significant precipitation event (totalling 40 - 80 cm) has at least been able to settle somewhat. Inside, the persistent weak layer is mostly compact, but often moist up to high altitudes. The snow base, fundament is high and partly weakened on shady slopes. In the middle and low altitudes, the last snow often lies on bare ground.

Tendency

No significant change. Continue to pay attention to avalanche prone locations due to wind slab.

Danger level

treeline

Wind slab

Treeline

Take particular care in the east and south sectors!

The avalanche danger is rated as moderate above the tree line. The stormy wind has formed fresh wind slabs that are easily recognisable. Above the tree line, the fresh wind slab can easily be triggered as a snow slab. Typically, medium avalanches are expected to be triggered. The avalanche prone locations are adjacent to ridgelines as well as distant from ridgelines and in steep gullies and bowls. Loose snow avalanches are possible from steep rocky and rugged terrain.

Snowpack

The strong to gale-force winds have worked the new fallen snow (up to 60 cm). The wind slab is usually quite hard. Weak layers are to be expected within the drift snow layer. The old snowpack is mostly hard and close to the ground the snowpack is weakened by floating snow.

Tendency

With a northerly high-altitude current, it will remain cloudy and often snowy along the northern side of the Alps throughout Holy Week. Although conditions are dry south of the main Alpine ridge, it is usually cloudy and windy here too.

Danger level

treeline

Wind slab		Treeline
Gliding snow

The wind slab can be triggered even with a small additional load

The avalanche risk is moderate. Above the tree line, the fresh wind slab can be triggered as a slab in some places even with a small additional load. Avalanches can reach medium size. There are avalanche prone locations both adjacent to ridgelines and distant from ridgelines, as well as in steep gullies and in forest aisles. The wind slab is partly covered with snow away from areas adjacent to the ridgeline, crest or summit and the avalanche prone locations are not recognisable everywhere. Spontaneous small gliding avalanches are possible on very steep grassy slopes.

Snowpack

The new fallen snow (widespread 40 cm to 60 cm, occasionally around 80 cm) that fell in the middle of the week under the influence of strong winds from the west to north has settled significantly. On the sunny slopes, the snow is often lying on previously apery soils up to medium altitudes, on shady slopes on an old snowpack weakened by angular forms (partly also on crusts) and near the ground (deep rime). Fractures are mainly possible within the fresh drift snow layers, but in shady high altitudes sometimes also on faceted layers in the persistent weak layer. On very steep sunny slopes, some of the snow glides along the ground.

Tendency

Poor visibility on Monday and further snow showers from the northwest during the day changes. Little change for the time being.

Danger level

treeline

Wind slab

Treeline

Beware of fresh wind slab!

The avalanche risk is moderate above the tree line. Fresh snowdrift accumulations can be triggered as small to medium-sized avalanches by individual winter sports enthusiasts in all aspects. The avalanche prone locations are mainly in gullies, bowls and behind terrain edges.

Snowpack

Fresh snowdrift accumulations are often deposited on a sufficiently stable old snowpack above the tree line. Weak layers are located in the bound layer or transition to the persistent weak layer, in some places still in the old snow at higher altitudes.

Tendency

The wind slab problem remains. Although conditions are dry south of the main Alpine ridge, it is mostly cloudy and windy here too.

Danger level

treeline

New snow		Treeline
Wind slab		Treeline
Wet snow

New and blown snow

It snowed on Thursday and Friday, with a snowfall level around 600 m. 40-60 cm of New fallen snow fell in the mountains. At the same time, strong winds blew from the north and north-east, carrying New fallen snow and building up new snow layers on the southern sides. New fallen snow and blown snow are the main dangers. Danger is increased especially in sloping terrain and in ravines where the height of the New fallen snow is greater due to snow accumulations.

Snowpack

dp.4: cold following warm / warm following cold

On Thursday and Friday, 40-60 cm of snow fell in the mountains, which was dry above about 1000 m, and wetter at lower altitudes. The snowfall was accompanied by strong northerly winds, which blew the snow above the snow line to the old snow base or ground in many places. During the previous snowfall, there may have been some local drifting of Graupel, which is a potentially dangerous Weak layer. In the old snow cover, the snow layers are well connected.

Tendency

There will be more clouds in the coming days, small showers are possible early next week. The danger of avalanches will remain similar.

Danger level

1600m

New snow		1600m
New snow		1600m
Gliding snow

New fallen snow is increasingly settling.

The avalanche risk is moderate above 1600 metres and low below that. The main problem is new fallen snow. Slab avalanches can be triggered with little additional load. This is especially possible in shady steep terrain adjacent to ridgelines and on windward slopes. Avalanches can reach medium size. On very steep, sunny slopes, individual gliding avalanches can detach themselves. They usually remain small.

Snowpack

Some new fallen snow is falling on a snow surface that is powdery in the shade and crusted can form on the sunny side. In the upper metre of the snowpack, weak intermediate layers below a thin ice lense and graupel are embedded in places. In windward areas, the snow is bonded and prone to triggering. Otherwise, the snowpack is homogeneously layered and largely stable. On the south side, the snow is often wet towards the ground. Sliding movements on smooth ground are possible.

Tendency

With the predicted new fallen snow and strong winds, the avalanche risk will increase over the next few days.

Danger level

1600m

New snow		1600m
New snow		1600m
Gliding snow		2000m

Fresh snow and drifts often prone to triggering, particularly on shady slopes

Avalanche danger above 1600m is moderate, below that altitude danger is low. Fresh snow and far-reaching snowdrift accumulations are easily triggered in all aspects in many places. Slabs can be triggered by minimum additional loading and grow to medium-to-large sized releases. Danger zones occur in wind-loaded steep terrain, behind sharp drops in the landscape, in gullies and bowls. The snowdrift accumulations generated over the last few days are blanketed by fresher snow, thus impossible to recognize. On very steep sunny grass-covered slopes, glide-snow avalanches can slide away, mostly of small size.

Snowpack

In the last few days there has been a lot of fresh snowfall, often stormy NW winds transported the fresh fallen snow, generating large-sized trigger-sensitive snowdrift accumulations in many places. On Saturday night and during the day on Sunday, additional generally small-sized trigger-sensitive snowdrifts will accumulate due to the forecast 10cm of fresh snowfall.

Tendency

As a result of fresh snow and winds, avalanche danger will increase starting on Monday.

Danger level

treeline

Wind slab		Treeline
Persistent weak layer		2000m

Consistently avoid fresh wind slab!

The avalanche risk is moderate above the tree line. Fresh wind slabs can be triggered as small or medium-sized slabs in all aspects, even under low loads. Avalanche prone locations are mainly in gullies, bowls and behind terrain edges, also distant from ridgelines. Take particular care on very steep western, northern and eastern slopes above around 2000 metres. Transitions from little to more snow are particularly unfavourable.

Snowpack

Stormy north-westerly winds characterise the snowpack and constantly form fresh wind slabs. The wind slab covers an unfavourable old snow surface above the tree line. The old snowpack is weak, especially on western, northern and eastern slopes above around 2000 metres, faceted crystals and a floating snow foundation close to the ground weaken the structure.

Tendency

No significant change on Monday.

Danger level

treeline

Wind slab		Treeline
Persistent weak layer		2000m

Avalanche prone locations in wind slab, in the higher altitudes also in persistent weak layers

The avalanche risk is moderate from the sparse high forest upwards. The last wind slab can be triggered in some places with little additional load, slab avalanches can reach medium size. All aspects and both adjacent to ridgelines and steep terrain far from ridgelines are affected. At high altitudes (especially on western, northern and eastern slopes), avalanches can also break through into the persistent weak layer and occasionally become large if the additional load is high. Poor visibility makes it difficult to recognise avalanche prone locations. At low and medium altitudes, individual gliding avalanches are also possible.

Snowpack

The new fallen snow (widespread 40 to 60 cm, occasionally around 80 cm) that fell under stormy conditions from the west to north in the middle of the week has settled significantly and has already been slightly moistened on steep sunny slopes up to over 2000 metres. In exposed areas, the snowpack is marked by the storm. Fractures are possible, especially in the fresh wind slab, but also in the old snowpack, in which faceted crystals (some on crusts) and deep rime are weakening the structure both near the surface and deeper inside. This mainly affects high altitudes on shady slopes (W-N-E) and high alpine locations.

Tendency

Poor visibility on Monday and snow showers again during the daytime changes. Little change for the time being.

Danger level

Fresh pillows of wind drifted snow!

The avalanche danger is assessed as low. Fresh pillows of wind drifted snow can be triggered as a slide.

Snowpack

A few centimetres of new fallen snow or wind slabs have been deposited on a hardness of old snowpack. There is generally little snow.

Tendency

No significant change in the avalanche danger is expected.

Danger level

Partly prone to wind drifted snow at medium altitudes.

A few centimetres of new fallen snow will be added locally on Sunday, but this will mostly be blown away by the wind. Pillows of wind drifted snow are prone to triggering at medium altitudes.

Snowpack

From Wednesday evening to Saturday morning, 10 to 40 cm of new fallen snow fell on warm, porous ground in the Gutenstein Alps. On the Hochwechsel and in the Bucklige Welt, the amount of fresh snow was significantly lower at 5 to 20 cm. The strong winds caused drift snow packs to form at higher elevations, which were partially covered by a few centimetres of new fallen snow on Sunday.

Tendency

The avalanche risk is not expected to increase. With a northerly high-altitude current, dense clouds will accumulate along the northern side of the Alps for almost the entire Holy Week, but the amount of new snow will be mostly low. The north to north-westerly winds will also remain brisk to stormy.