Karnische Alpen Osttirol · 18 April 2026

Avalanche Problems

Moderate (2) Wet avalanches, later

Wet snow Slab 2

N, NE, NW

Medium Few Very poor

GM.10

Field notes

Rolling snowballs, deep penetration when you step or ski, and small natural slides are clear signals that the Snow deposited on the ground in a multiplicity of layers.EAWS glossary is losing strength. After a clear, cold night the surface often freezes into a strong supporting Layer of hard-compacted snow resulting from a melt-freeze process or wind.EAWS glossary, and conditions are favourable in the early morning. After a warm, overcast night, the problem may be present from the start of the day. Plan early returns and watch the runout zones below you.

Source: SLF Avalanche Bulletin Interpretation Guide

Avalanche Activity

Individual avalanche prone locations for wet avalanches are to be found in particular on very steep shady slopes.

As the day progresses the likelihood of wet avalanches being released will increase. In the regions where the outgoing longwave radiation during the night is reduced the danger will increase earlier. As the penetration by moisture increases individual wet The abrupt release of a slab of snow on a mountain slope. After crack initiation and crack propagation in a weak layer the released slab comprises 3 elements: The weak layer, the gliding horizon and the slab. If the slope angle is steep enough, the slab will glide down. If the slope is not steep enough, the slab will settle down on the failed weak layer. Possibly a whumpf sound will follow due to air pressed out of the weak layer. The fracture line will be sharp edged.EAWS glossary are possible as the day progresses. This applies in particular in case of releases originating from high-altitude shady starting zones that have retained the snow thus far, especially between approximately 2200 and 2600 m. In isolated cases avalanches are medium-sized. Avalanches can release the wet Snow deposited on the ground in a multiplicity of layers.EAWS glossary. This extends the avalanche runout distances.

Outlook

Constant avalanche danger

19 April 2026

The danger of wet avalanches will persist.

Snowpack & Weather

Snowpack

During the night the weather will be partly cloudy in some regions. This applies in particular in the east. The Snow deposited on the ground in a multiplicity of layers.EAWS glossary is wet and its surface has a Layer of hard-compacted snow resulting from a melt-freeze process; increases firmness.EAWS glossary. The surface of the snowpack will soften quickly. In particular on steep sunny slopes as well as below approximately 1800 m only a little snow is now lying.

Source

ALBINA

Issued

17 Apr 15:00 UTC

Valid until

18 Apr 15:00 UTC

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