The current avalanche situation is quite favorable over widespread areas. The greatest danger continues to stem from wet-snow and glide-snow avalanches. Small-to-medium glide-snow avalanches are possible below about 2200 m in all aspects. Wet loose-snow avalanches are likely only below 1800 m at the current temperatures. In East Tirol the zero-degree level, and thus, the upper limit for wet-snow avalanches is somewhat higher up. Glide-snow avalanches are no longer likely in the regions south of the Main Alpine Ridge as a result of the shallow snowpack.
Wherever the sun comes out, the snowpack is also moistened up to high altitudes at least superficially. In particular where there has been fresh snow registered over the last few days, this bring about small, wet loose-snow avalanche on extremely steep slopes.
Least favorable of all are transitions from deep to shallow snow. As a consequence of the snowpack becoming ever wetter, ground-level weak layers from early winter can once again become activated in East Tirol. On shady slopes at 1800-2200 m, it is quite possible that these weak layers inside the old snow might trigger in isolated cases. Nevertheless, the avalanche prone locations are currently relatively rare.
Today (Thursday, 11.04) there were, in addition, fresh, small-sized snowdrift accumulations generated near ridgelines by moderate strength winds, particularly along the Main Alpine Ridge. They were deposited on shady slopes above 2400 m atop loosely-bonded fresh snow more than anything else and can frequently be triggered with ease. The further up one ventures, the more trigger-sensitive the snowdrift accumulations become. Danger zones are of limited spread, but due to poor visibility nearly impossible to recognize. Particularly here, the risks of being forced to take a fall need to be accorded due consideration.
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| During the last few days, there has been a small amount of fresh snow widespread, most of it south of the Inn in Stubai, Tux and Zillertal Alps. |
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| Today (Thursday, 11.04) winds were sometimes blowing above transport velocity along the Main Alpine Ridge in particular. Thus, small snowdrift accumulations were generated near ridgelines. |
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| High humidity and diffuse light are increasing the amount of moisture seeping into the snowpack. Southern East Tirol. (photo: 07.04.2019). |
On Thursday night, winds will slacken off, play only a subordinate role in the next few days. Freshly generated snowdrift accumulations adjacent to ridgelines will bond swiftly, be generated anew only from place to place. Temperatures will also recede further and not rise again noticeably until the beginning of next week. The avalanche situation is not expected to change significantly over the weekend. Ongoingly least favorable is the altitude spectrum up to 2200 m, where glide-snow avalanches can trigger naturally. In addition, occasional loose-snow slides cannot be ruled out on extremely steep slopes in case of diffuse light.
Unfortunately, the weather is not expected to change much over the weekend. According to ZAMG forecasts, it will remain highly variable and overcast for the most part. Showers, however, are expected to taper off somewhat.
Review
Last weekend (6+7 April) it was very moist. Over the last few days the humidity has increased again and there has been some snowfall. The sun was a rare presence.
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| During the last few days there were repeated bouts of precipitation bringing tiny amounts of fresh snow. Winds were generally very light. In addition, the relative humidity hovered around 100%. |
Moist air masses and rain impact to over 2000 m caused the release of numerous small-sized, wet glide-snow and loose-snow avalanches yesterday on steep, north-facing slopes at 2000-2200 m, as well as on east and west-facing slopes below 2400 m.
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| Numerous small-sized glide-snow avalanches near Pfundsalm in the eastern Tux Alps. (photo: 10.04.2019). |
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| Heightened activity of small-to-medium wet-snow avalanches, also in Sellraintal. (photo: 10.04.2019). |
Further potential danger zones lurk in breaking cornices. On glaciers the danger of falling into crevices should not be overlooked.
Finally, we would like to extend a deep debt of thanks to all the 3,666 (!!) participants in our survey about the new EUREGIO Avalanche Bulletin.
