The Styrian Avalanche Warning Service issued its first regional avalanche warning report of the new season 2009/2010 this day. The northern parts of Styria (Ennstaler Alpen, Obersteiermark) now have an avalanche danger of level 1 (meaning low risk).
The influx of wet and cold air masses from the arctic North has already resulted in a significant snow pack. Snow depth is about one meter at 2000 m elevation. The automatic snow station at the Loser in the Salzkammergut (elevation 1501 m) reports 88 cm at 8 p.m. today. The strong winds build up large snow drifts. Hence, the risk of snow slabs in steep areas below ridges has to be evaluated.
Additional snow falls (again with heavy winds) are forecast for the following days. It can be expected that avalanche danger is going to rise due to this new, wind-affected snow. Temperatures are around -7 to -9 degrees (Celsisus) at 1500m and the snow line is going to decrease further (locally to about 200m!). Pretty sudden and strong (temporary) advent of winter.
