Plenty of snow in southern Austria
1.20 meters of fresh snow in southern Austria – the Alpine republic has no shortage of snow as the 2008/2009 ski season gets underway. The catch: It is actually still too warm, and rain has mixed in with the fresh snow. The wet, overly warm snow can easily slide. The existing snowpack has not yet bonded with the fresh snow – which means avalanche danger.
Carinthia at avalanche danger level 4
The southern Austrian province of Carinthia is particularly affected (see www.kaernten-netz.de). Avalanche danger level 4 has been declared here – a very high risk level. Ski tours and descents on hazardous slopes and in valleys have been called off. Carinthia’s avalanche warning service strongly advises against ski touring off-piste. Snow chains are now compulsory on many roads in Carinthia – and throughout Austria. Many roads have also been closed because of the avalanche danger: The Lesach Valley in Carinthia is currently completely cut off from the outside world – probably until Thursday – and all access roads are closed. The Gailtal highway (B111) and the Plöcken Pass are also closed. Most mountain passes and roads are passable only with snow chains anyway.
Plenty of snow in southern Austria
Date: 10/10/2008
Avalanche danger in East Tyrol
The snow gods also struck East Tyrol. Here, however, the snow had already turned to rain by evening. In the Lienz valley basin, all access roads to the side valleys were closed because of avalanche danger. What is now needed to stabilize the snowpack is a sharp drop in temperature. However, none is expected over the next few days. Nor is any further fresh snow expected in the coming days – temperatures are forecast to be between 0 and 8 degrees. Even so, meteorologists are predicting excellent skiing weather for Wednesday and Thursday, with sunshine all day in the mountains; precipitation is expected only in the east.
The “snow blessing” was brought by a low-pressure system from northeastern Italy. For example, the system caused flooding in the lagoon city of Venice, leaving even St. Mark’s Square under 30 centimeters of water. The winner for German ski fans from this weather front in Germany is the state of Thuringia. Snow fell there from an altitude of 200 meters – without the snow chaos.
