The avalanche risk is initially low below around 2400 metres and increases to moderate during the day changes. In a few places in the terrain, wet avalanches can still be triggered by winter sports. This is particularly the case in very steep terrain below around 2800 m, where there is still a lot of snow. In wet snow, avalanches can tear through to the ground, reach medium size and, if the terrain is unfavourable, advance into the green.
Above around 2400 m, there are still a few avalanche prone locations in the west, north and east aspects, and also in the southern sector in the high Alps, where slab avalanches can be triggered in persistent weak layers. Take care on the steep transitions from little to lots of snow.
Snowpack
After a clear night, a stable melt-freeze crust has formed over a wide area. This only softens slowly during the day. In shady areas adjacent to the ridgeline, especially high up in the Alps, there is some thin wind slab that can be prone to triggering. The snowpack underneath consists of compact snow that is characterised by rain up to high altitudes. On shady slopes above around 2400 metres, there are still weak layers of angular forms and deep rime in the old snowpack close to the ground. Low altitudes and sunny slopes at medium altitudes are mostly snowed out.
Tendency
No significant change on Monday. There will be a little more cloud and scattered showers during the day changes. The snowfall level will be around 2400 metres.
EARLIER Danger level
LATER Danger level
1800m
Avalanche Problem
Wet snow
1800m
Wet snow
1800m
On the north side, the snow surface remains hard at higher altitudes.
The avalanche risk rises to moderate during the day changes above 1800 m, otherwise it is low. Where there is still snow, wet snow is problematic. On very steep slopes with a smooth surface, such as on meadow slopes or rock slabs, small gliding avalanches can occur. If the snow surface is softened in the sun, wet loose snow avalanches can detach themselves in extremely steep terrain, occasionally reaching medium size at higher altitudes.
Snowpack
The snow surface freezes through with the outgoing longwave radiation overnight. It then softens again during the daytime changes in the sun. Otherwise, the snowpack is soaked in many places up to the higher elevations and consists mainly of snowmelt. On north-facing slopes at higher altitudes, there are still layers of faceted crystals deep in the snowpack. Below 1500 metres, there is only a little snow, and the southern slopes are largely bare up to over 2000 metres.
Tendency
Little change. The preparation of daily avalanche bulletins will be discontinued from Monday.
Danger level
2000m
Avalanche Problem
Wet snow
2000m
Slight increase in avalanche danger during the day changes
The avalanche danger is assessed as low. Small wet slides cannot be ruled out from terrain that has not yet been unloaded. These can detach themselves or be triggered by a small additional load from people and are usually small.
Snowpack
The snowpack can consolidate on a clear night. A surface crust forms on the surface. However, it quickly softens again with sunlight and warming. In shady, higher areas, there are large crystals in the lower snow layering in some places, which act as a possible weak layer. At higher altitudes, the snowpack is also hard. The snow cover is rapidly thinning out.
Tendency
The sunny weather is here to stay. A few wet slides may come loose on the sunny slopes.
Danger level
Avalanche Problem
Wet snow
Low avalanche danger, watch out for wet snow.
The avalanche risk is low and only increases slightly as the day warms up. Wet avalanches can only occasionally be triggered by winter sports. This is in particular where there is still a lot of snow, i.e. mainly on very steep shady slopes at high altitudes and in some cases on eastern and western slopes. The avalanches usually remain small, but can tear through to the ground in wet snow, occasionally reach medium size and, if the terrain is unfavourable, advance into the green.
Snowpack
After a clear night, a stable melt-freeze crust has formed over a wide area. This only softens slowly during the day. The snowpack underneath consists of compact snow characterised by rain. On shady slopes from around 2400 metres, there are weak layers of deep rime in the old snowpack close to the ground. Adjacent to ridgelines in the highest areas of the Niedere Tauern there is thin, fresh wind slab. The snowpack is moist to wet up to high altitudes. Low altitudes and sunny slopes at medium altitudes are mostly snowed out.
Tendency
No significant change on Monday. A little more cloud during the daytime changes.
Danger level
Avalanche Problem
Gliding snow
Wet snow
There will be low danger of avalanches
The old snow cover is mostly well transformed, cohesive and stable. The danger of wet snow avalanches will be relatively low. As the weather warms up, some Avalanches may occur during the day.
A small amount of new snow has fallen this week, especially in the high alpine regions. Smaller snow accumulations have formed and may be potentially unstable.
Snowpack
dp.10: springtime scenario
With clear weather and a dry air mass, the snowpack will mostly freeze overnight. During the day, the snow will melt again. The zero isotherm will be around 2800 m above altitudes.
The snow is already quite dry in the high alpine regions. Snow is relatively scarce for this time of year.
Tendency
Monday will see more clouds. It will be a little cooler. The snowpack is unlikely to freeze due to a few more clouds.
