Update of the avalanche forecast for Friday 20 February 2026.

A very dangerous avalanche situation will prevail. The danger exists in particular in alpine snow sports terrain.

all day it applies above the treeline high avalanche danger, so danger level four, below moderate avalanche danger, so danger level two.

all day, above the treeline, we have a persistent weak layer problem. Especially in the aspects West to North to East. Furthermore, all day, above the treeline, we have a new snow problem. This in all aspects. Furthermore, all day, we have a new snow problem. This in all aspects.

Attention, a special warning: Natural avalanches are to be expected.

The large quantity of fresh snow and the extensive wind slabs that are being formed by the strong westerly wind are very prone to triggering in all aspects above the tree line. Such avalanche prone locations are to be found also in areas close to the tree line. As a consequence of new snow and wind natural avalanches are to be expected until late in the night. Avalanches can in some cases penetrate deep layers and reach large size. This applies on west, north and east facing slopes. With the end of the snowfall, the natural avalanche activity will slowly decrease. In particular in the regions exposed to the foehn wind more natural avalanches are possible as a consequence of the strong to storm force northwesterly wind. Caution is to be exercised in particular in leeward starting zones.

And now the snowpack:

In some regions 10 to 20 cm of snow will fall until late morning. The wind will be moderate to strong. The wind will be storm force at times in particular in the Southern Zillertal Alps and High Tauern and along the border with South Tyrol. The wind will transport the new snow. Further wind slabs will form. The snowpack will be prone to triggering over a wide area. The new snow and wind slabs are lying on top of a weakly bonded old snowpack. Somewhat older wind slabs are lying on surface hoar. Distinct weak layers exist in the bottom section of the old snowpack. This applies in particular on west, north and east facing slopes above the tree line.

The tendency for Saturday 21 February 2026 indicates a steady avalanche danger.

Have a nice day and don't forget to be careful!