2016-01-03T07:30:00+01:00 Patrick Nairz 2016-01-03+01:00 https://lawine.tirol.gv.at/data/fotos/2015_bewoelkte_Gipfel_kein_Schnee.jpg The greatest hazards still come from fresh, small snowdrift accumulations. The next update of the avalanche situation will be published on 5 January at latest. Beware fresh, small drifts at high altitude DP1 DP6 Alpine Weather Forecast (ZAMG-Weather Service Innsbruck) Weather in general: Tirol lies in the path of a brisk westerly air current which will become drier temporarily today before the next perturbance arrives. In coming days, one perturbance after another is expected to pass through, the westerly airstream will become stormy towards the end of the week. Snow showers will slacken off this morning, clouds and fog recede, some sunshine is anticipated especially in high alpine regions, though fog will cling to the mountain flanks for longer. As evening approaches, clouds will again move in. Wintery temperatures: -5 degrees at 2000m; -10 degrees at 3000m. Moderate to brisk NW winds at high altitude, shifting to SW. Snow Layering Over the last 24 hours there is been snowfall in Tirol, frequently down to the valley floor. Most of the fresh fallen snow was registered in the Arlberg region (up to 25 cm), somewhat less in the western regions (generally 15 cm), the amounts decreasing towards the east. Brisk northerly and westerly winds were blowing during the snowfall, causing snow transport in some places at high altitudes. Freshly drifted masses were deposited on wind-protected shady slopes on top of a loosely packed, partially faceted snowpack which could serve as a gliding surface for slab avalanches. On sun-bathed slopes, triggering is possible only near ridgelines at high altitudes, where the drifts were deposited atop loosely packed new fallen snow. Avalanche Danger The avalanche danger, to begin with, is still low in most regions. Only in the Arlberg has the danger level increased slightly due to relatively heavy snowfall there (moderate danger above approximately 2200m). Caution is urged primarily towards the freshly formed, small-sized snowdrift accumulations, increasingly found in very steep, shady terrain adjacent to ridgelines as well as in gulies and bowls. Skiers and freeriders can easily recognize these danger zones; but slides can release even by minimum additional loading. Also needful of caution in extremely steep terrain is the danger of being swept along and falling. In high alpine regions of Silvretta-Samnaun and the southern Ötztal and Stubai Alps the scenario is similar: freshly drifted masses require caution. Due to the lighter snowfall there, the drifts are smaller. In addition, on sunny, rocky slopes, isolated harmless, loosely packed avalanches can be expected.