EARLIER

Danger level

Wet snow

LATER

Danger level

Wet snow

Increase in avalanche danger already in the morning!

Spontaneous wet snow avalanches are likely! The avalanche danger increases considerably during the daytime changes!

The avalanche danger is assessed as moderate in the morning. Wet slab avalanches can be triggered even under low additional load. The avalanche risk increases to considerable (level 3) during the daytime changes with the very mild temperatures and the strong sunlight appropriate for the time of year. In some places, especially in steep gullies and bowls, spontaneous wet loose snow and slab avalanches are to be expected. These usually reach medium size. Wechten breaks can trigger naturally triggered avalanches.

Snowpack

Due to the rain on Saturday, the clouds in the night to Sunday and the marked rise in temperature, the snowpack is already wet in the morning. Only at higher elevations can a thin melt-freeze crust form overnight. Due to the very mild temperatures, the snowpack will quickly become wet on the sunny slopes. On shady slopes, the melt-freeze crust opens up and the moisture of the snowpack increases. Weak layers between the consolidated wind slab and the old snowpack in shady high altitudes can become prone to triggering again as the snowpack becomes increasingly moist. In the Rax-Schneeberg area, there is little snow below 1400 metres.

Tendency

A weak cold front will pass through on Easter Monday. This will bring isolated rain showers. The slight drop in temperature will reduce the risk of avalanches somewhat.

EARLIER

Danger level

treeline

Wind slab		Treeline
Gliding snow		2000m

LATER

Danger level

Wet snow
Wind slab		Treeline

Dry slab avalanches are possible on shady slopes.

The avalanche risk is moderate in the morning and increases to considerable during the daytime changes. The main problems are wet and gliding snow. Medium gliding avalanches can come loose at any time and in all aspects from very steep terrain with smooth ground such as forest or meadow soil. With sunlight, wet loose snow and slab avalanches release themselves, especially in extremely steep terrain. They reach medium size. Avalanche run-out areas must be recognised and avoided. Above the tree line, wind slab avalanches must also be avoided on steep slopes exposed to the north and east. Fresh and older snowdrift accumulations can occasionally be triggered as slab avalanches by a small additional load and reach medium size.

Snowpack

The snow surface, which is often crusted can form in the morning, softens quickly in the sun. Warm temperatures and sunshine lead to a soaking of the snowpack. At higher altitudes (above 1500 m), the new and drift snow packs of the past two weeks are still prone to triggering, especially on shady slopes, on soft layers, graupel or faceted crystals in the crust area. The snowpack base at high altitudes often consists of faceted crystals, further down it is usually wet.

Tendency

Rain up to high altitudes on Monday night, then transition to spring conditions.

EARLIER

Danger level

1800m

Wind slab		1800m
Wet snow

LATER

Danger level

Wet snow

Rapid daytime rise in avalanche danger

In early morning, danger is moderate. Isolated danger zones for slab releases occur in steep ridgeline terrain, behind sharp drops in the landscape, in wind-loaded gullies and bowls. Avalanche danger swiftly and steeply rises due to solar radiation and mild temperatures. In very steep terrain in all aspects, wet-snow slides and avalanches are possible due to solar radiation and daytime warming. On steep grass-covered slopes, gliding snow activity is gradually increasing. Caution below glide cracks in the surface of the snowpack.

Snowpack

The old snowpack is generally well consolidated and compact during the morning hours. At lower altitudes, however, the mild temperatures and solar radiation is making the snowpack thoroughly wet, rapidly leading to a loss of firmness. At higher altitudes, older snowdrift accumulations are frequently still prone to triggering.

Tendency

The danger of wet-snow avalanches increases during the course of each day.

EARLIER

Danger level

1800m

Persistent weak layer		1800m
Wet snow

LATER

Danger level

Wet snow
Persistent weak layer		1800m

Avalanche danger increases with daytime changes!

The avalanche risk is moderate and increases to considerable during the day due to rapidly rising temperatures and plenty of sunshine. Spontaneous medium-sized, sometimes large wet snow avalanches and individual gliding avalanches on steep, slippery ground are to be expected on sunny slopes. Older snowdrift accumulations can still be triggered in isolated cases at higher elevations with large additional loads. Steep slopes, filled-in steep bowls and gullies must be taken into account in this regard.

Snowpack

The snowpack has settled, but quickly becomes moist on the surface, soft and loses firmness due to the sunshine and mild temperatures during the day. Only at higher altitudes and in isolated areas is there older, covered wind slab that is sometimes too disruptive. In very high northern areas, the snow base, fundament is occasionally weakened (persistent weak layer problem).

Tendency

Cooling stabilises the moist snowpack. No daytime changes.

EARLIER

Danger level

Wet snow
Gliding snow

LATER

Danger level

Wet snow
Gliding snow

Strong increase in avalanche danger already in the morning!

Spontaneous wet snow avalanches to be expected!

The avalanche danger increases from moderate to considerable during the morning. Spontaneous avalanche activity increases with the warming and sunshine. Medium-sized and occasionally large wet loose snow and slab avalanches are to be expected in particular on the sunny slopes. Wet slab avalanches can also be triggered by ski tourers. Gliding avalanches are also increasingly to be expected on the sunny slopes.

Snowpack

Due to strong warming and solar radiation, the snowpack on the sunny slopes becomes moist or wet and unstable early in the day. In addition to loose snow slides, spontaneous, wet slab avalanches can also be expected, as liquid water in the snowpack can reactivate former weak layers in the persistent weak layer. The avalanches are usually medium-sized, but can also be large in some cases. On sunny slopes, the snowpack begins to increasingly glide on smooth ground. Deeper layers are increasingly thinning out.

Tendency

The temperature will drop slightly on Monday with a weak cold front. The wet snow problem eases a little.

EARLIER

Danger level

2000m

Persistent weak layer		2000m
Wet snow		2500m

LATER

Danger level

2500m

Wet snow		2500m
Persistent weak layer		2000m

End tours on time!

The avalanche danger increases from moderate to considerable during the daytime changes below 2500 metres. Spontaneous avalanche activity increases rapidly as the day warms up and the sun shines. Medium and occasionally also large damp and wet loose snow avalanches and snow slabs are to be expected in all aspects below around 2500 metres. Tours in terrain that has not yet been discharged should be ended in good time. Wet avalanches can also be triggered by winter sports enthusiasts. Gliding avalanches are to be expected on typical slopes. In a few places above 2000 m, snow slabs in the persistent weak layer or last week's wind slab can also be triggered, especially on west-, north- and east-facing slopes, as well as south-facing slopes in the high Alps. Avalanche prone locations are difficult to recognise.

Snowpack

In the morning, at low altitudes, there is often a (crumbly) melt-freeze crust on top of this week's new and wind slab snow, which softens quickly. In higher, wind-calm places, there is an average of half a metre of settled new and drift snow, while exposed places are heavily blown and snowdrift accumulations are correspondingly thick. A thin melt-freeze crust from last weekend remains underneath. There are angular shapes and deep rime in the old snowpack on shady slopes. Fractures are most likely to occur within the no longer quite fresh snowdrift accumulations, increasingly also on the uppermost crust, and only rarely in the floating snow close to the ground. Up to high altitudes, longer sunny slopes become moist to wet down to the ground, and the north-facing snow is also moistened on the surface.

Tendency

Little change with a weak cold front on Monday.

EARLIER

Danger level

2200m

Persistent weak layer		2200m
Wet snow		2200m

LATER

Danger level

2400m

Wet snow		2400m
Persistent weak layer		2200m

Rapid daytime rise in avalanche danger and wet-snow avalanches

Slab avalanches can be triggered by large additional loading and grow to medium size. Danger zones occur in steep ridgeline terrain, behind sharp drops in the landscape, in wind-loaded gullies and bowls. Particularly in the northern half of high altitude zones, isolated avalanches can fracture in the weak layers in the uppermost metre of the snowpack. In very steep terrain, wet-snow slides and avalanches are possible due to solar radiation and daytime warming. On steep grass-covered slopes, gliding snow activity is gradually increasing.

Snowpack

On shady slopes and in terrain with flat solar radiation, the uppermost layers are often still soft. Particularly in high altitude ridgeline and pass areas, small fresh and older snowdrift accumulations are still prone to triggering. The mid-part of the snowpack consists widespread of well consolidated, compact layers which on shady high-altitude slopes blanket a poorly structured old snow fundament. At lower altitudes, mild temperatures, rain impact and solar radiation will make the snowpack thoroughly wet to an ever-increasing degree.

Tendency

Starting on Easter Weekend, danger of wet-snow avalanches will increase during the course of the day through ongoing rise in temperatures.

EARLIER

Danger level

Wet snow
Gliding snow

LATER

Danger level

Wet snow
Gliding snow

Increase in avalanche danger already in the morning!

Spontaneous wet snow avalanches to be expected!

Spontaneous avalanche activity increases with the warming and sunshine. Small to medium-sized wet loose snow and slab avalanches are to be expected in particular on the sunny slopes. Wet slab avalanches can also be triggered by ski tourers. Gliding avalanches are also increasingly to be expected on the sunny slopes.

Snowpack

Due to strong warming and sunny slopes, the snowpack on the sunny side becomes moist, wet and unstable early in the day. In addition to loose snow slides, spontaneous, wet slab avalanches can also be expected in isolated cases, as liquid water in the snowpack can reactivate former weak layers in the persistent weak layer. The avalanches will mostly remain small to medium-sized. On the sunny slopes, the snowpack begins to increasingly glide on slippery ground. There is generally little snow and deeper layers are increasingly thinning out.

Tendency

The temperature will drop slightly on Monday with a weak cold front. The wet snow problem eases a little.

EARLIER

Danger level

Wet snow

LATER

Danger level

Wet snow

Note the daytime changes!

The avalanche risk is moderate and increases slightly during the daytime changes due to the rapidly rising temperatures and sunshine, but remains moderate. On the sunny slopes, small to medium spontaneous wet snow avalanches are to be expected in steep terrain and individual gliding avalanches on steep, smooth ground. Older snowdrift accumulations can still be triggered in isolated cases at higher elevations with large additional loads in steep terrain.

Snowpack

The snowpack has settled, but quickly becomes moist on the surface, soft and loses firmness due to the sunshine and mild temperatures during the day. Only at higher elevations and in isolated cases is there older, covered wind slab that is sometimes too disruptive.

Tendency

Cooling stabilises the moist snowpack. No daytime changes.

EARLIER

Danger level

2000m

Persistent weak layer		2000m
Wet snow

LATER

Danger level

Wet snow
Persistent weak layer		2000m

End tours on time!

The avalanche risk is moderate. Spontaneous avalanche activity increases rapidly as the day warms up and the sun shines. Small and medium-sized wet loose snow avalanches and snow slabs can be expected in all aspects. Tours in terrain that has not yet been unloaded should be ended in good time. Wet avalanches can also be triggered by winter sports enthusiasts. Gliding avalanches are to be expected on typical slopes. In a few places above 2000 metres, snow slabs in the extended northern sector in weak weak layers or the wind slab of the last week can also be triggered.

Snowpack

In the morning, you often find a (brittle) melt-freeze crust on this week's new and wind-slabbed snow, which softens quickly. Underneath is a thin melt-freeze crust from last weekend. There are angular shapes and deep rime in the old snowpack on shady slopes. Breaks are most likely to occur within the no longer quite fresh snowdrift accumulations, increasingly also on the uppermost crust, and only rarely in the floating snow close to the ground. Up to high altitudes, longer sunny slopes become moist to wet down to the ground, and the north-facing snow is also moistened on the surface.

Tendency

Little change with a weak cold front on Monday.

EARLIER

Danger level

Wet snow
Gliding snow

LATER

Danger level

Wet snow
Gliding snow

Increase in avalanche danger already in the morning!

The avalanche danger increases to moderate! Some spontaneous wet snow avalanches, occasional gliding sluffs!

The avalanche risk increases to moderate (level 2) during the daytime changes. Due to the very mild temperatures and the strong sunlight for the time of year, there will be an increase in wet loose snow and slab avalanches, especially on sunny slopes. Gliding avalanches are also possible. The avalanches usually occur spontaneously, but remain mostly small. Only occasionally can they reach medium size.

Snowpack

Due to the rain on Saturday, the clouds in the night to Sunday and the marked rise in temperature, the snowpack is already wet in the morning. On sunny slopes and at low altitudes, the snowpack will become wet during the day. There will be little snow below 1000 metres.

Tendency

A weak cold front will pass through on Easter Monday. This will bring isolated rain showers. The slight drop in temperature will reduce the risk of avalanches somewhat.

EARLIER

Danger level

treeline

Wind slab

Treeline

LATER

Danger level

Wet snow
Wind slab		Treeline

Dry slab avalanches are possible on shady slopes.

The avalanche risk is low in the morning. It increases to moderate during the daytime changes. Wet snow becomes the main problem. Smaller gliding avalanches are possible at any time on slopes with a smooth surface. With sunlight, wet loose snow and slab avalanches release themselves, especially on extremely steep terrain. They usually remain small. Avalanche run-out areas must be recognised and avoided. Above the tree line, you should also watch out for wind slabs on steep slopes exposed to the north and east. Fresh and older snowdrift accumulations can occasionally be triggered there by low additional loads and reach medium size.

Snowpack

The snow surface, which is often crusted can form in the morning, softens quickly in the sun. Warm temperatures and sunshine lead to a soaking of the snowpack. At higher altitudes (above 1500 m), the new and drift snow packs of the past two weeks are still prone to triggering, especially on shady slopes, on soft layers, graupel or faceted crystals in the area of crusts. The snowpack base consists of faceted crystals at high altitudes on the shady slopes and is mostly wet further down.

Tendency

Rain up to high altitudes on Monday night, then transition to spring conditions.

Danger level

1800m

Wind slab		1800m
Persistent weak layer		1800m

Blown snow

New fallen snow and blowing snow are the main dangers. The snowpack stability is reduced, especially on slopes and in ravines, where the snow thickness is greater due to snow drifts. 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 common in the axis above the forest. In particular, a medium-sized avalanche can be triggered by a large load exceeding the load-bearing capacity of these layers.

Snowpack

dp.4: cold following warm / warm following cold

The last snowfall was accompanied by a strong northerly wind, which blew the snow down to the old base in many places and created snowdrift accumulations in the leeward areas. In some places, these are on top of a layer 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 interconnected. Deep below the surface, several weak layers of shreds and truncated grains occur, which are more frequent on axial slopes.

Tendency

Monday night and Monday morning will be cloudy, then clearing. It will stay warm. The avalanche danger will remain similar, with a few more spontaneously triggered wet snow avalanches expected during the middle of the day and afternoon on Monday.

EARLIER

Danger level

Wet snow
Gliding snow

LATER

Danger level

Wet snow
Gliding snow

Low avalanche danger, but watch out for spontaneous wet snow slides!

The avalanche danger is rated as "low". Nevertheless, small, wet loose snow slides and occasional small gliding avalanches are to be expected.

Snowpack

The thin snowpack becomes damp or wet in all areas and can start to glide snow on slippery surfaces. In general, there is very little snow and the lower layers are increasingly thinning out.

Tendency

The temperature will drop slightly on Monday with a weak cold front. The avalanche risk remains low.

Danger level

treeline

Wind slab

Treeline

Blown snow

The main danger is from blowing snow. The snowpack stability is reduced, especially on slopes and in ravines, where the snow thickness is greater due to snow drifts.

Snowpack

dp.4: cold following warm / warm following cold

The last snowfall brought strong northerly winds, which blew the snow above the snow line down to the old snow base or to the ground in many places, and built up snowdrift accumulations on the leeward slopes. In some places, these have formed on top of a layer of parachuted graupel, which is a potentially dangerous Weak layer. Locally, the layers of Graupel are 5-10 cm thick, possibly more.

Tendency

The danger of avalanches will remain similar.

Danger level

Low avalanche danger.

The avalanche risk is categorised as low. Due to the very mild temperatures, a wet snow slide may still occur occasionally if there are sufficient snow reserves.

Snowpack

The snowpack is already wet in the morning and gets wetter during the daytime changes. In the Bucklige Welt and on the Hochwechsel there is very little snow below 1400 metres. In the Gutenstein Alps, the hills up to 1000 metres are already mostly bare. With the mild temperatures, the remaining snowpack will melt away quickly.

Tendency

A weak cold front will pass through on Easter Monday. This will bring isolated rain showers. The avalanche risk remains low.

EARLIER

Danger level

Wet snow

LATER

Danger level

Wet snow

End tours on time!

The avalanche risk is low. With the warming and the sunshine, small, wet loose snow avalanches are to be expected. Gliding avalanches may also occur occasionally.

Snowpack

The snowpack is damp to wet and has a (brittle) melt-freeze crust in the morning. The snow cover is rapidly thinning out.

Tendency

Little change.