Reading & gift tip | Seasonal report of the Austrian avalanche warning services 2019/20

Winter 2019/20 in a nutshell:

• Annuality of the 15-day precipitation total from 03.11. - 18.11.2019 in the south greater than 120 - 150 years, major forest damage due to snow load and exceptionally early avalanches down to the valleys

• Warm above average and lots of fine weather

• Three pronounced storms on 28.01., 10.02. and 28.02.

• Slippery snow winter with partly high hazard potential

• Predominantly quite good snowpack structure with manageable old snow problem

• Long periods with favorable avalanche situation: Beginning of December, almost all of January, and exceptionally long from mid-March to the end of April

• Winter end without a pronounced spring avalanche cycle

• Corona-related abrupt end to the ski touring season

• Longest period of avalanche forecasts since the avalanche warning service was established in Tyrol: 170 reports

• Major avalanche accident on 08.03.2020 on the Dachstein in Upper Austria with five fatalities

As every year, the detailed seasonal report is an impressive testimony to the incredibly valuable and highly professional work of the avalanche warning services.

Conclusion

Worth every penny and also great as a gift for anyone interested.

The 2019/20 season report of the Austrian avalanche warning services is available here in the ÖAV shop for 14 euros for members and 17 euros regularly.