Snow report Alpenostrand, 02/02/2020

Snow condition

No significant change from yesterday. However, the sunny slopes at the bottom of the valley now have a few patches of loose snow. Otherwise, enough snow from about 1300 onwards, even for the forest. From about 1400-1500m the rain apparently turned into snowfall in the morning, the trees were slightly covered in snow (see photo).

Snow quality

It's hard to believe, but the overnight rain actually improved the snow quality. Damp/wet snow, but it turned out to be quite easy to turn. Rather like when it snows relatively damp but loose snow in spring. Further up in the (little) fresh snow, however, the hard crust could be felt.

Some (fresh-looking) wet snow slides, especially from steep rocky slopes/gullies and some drift snow blown in on the last slope up to Leobner. The wind was also clearly noticeable at the top and caused snow to blow.

Overall impression

After the rain during the night, we were almost ready to leave, but then it cleared up during breakfast and the sun started to shine through more and more. So our plan was at least an "ascent-oriented" ski tour. To our great surprise, the descent was even more rewarding than yesterday. First of all, the Leobner summit (east) slope was untracked with some fresh snow and then the powder snow down from the Törl to the Grössingeralm was also easy to ski. Caveat: This winter is also a modest time. Of course, there can be no talk of powder.