VIENNA, Jan. 22 (Xinhua) -- Heavy snowfall in western Austria has led authorities to impose the highest avalanche danger level of five in some areas on the back of safety concerns, local media reported on Monday.
The states of Tyrol and Vorarlberg in particular have seen snowfall of up to more than four meters, that combined with a warm front moving over Austria bringing rising temperatures, as well as at least a further half-meter of anticipated snow, is increasing avalanche risk further.
In Tyrol, a popular destination for winter sports, the general warning risk of the maximum level five across some regions is the highest seen since 1999.
The situation is considered particularly dangerous at a sea level above 1500 meters, with both new and settled snow sensitive for an avalanche trigger.
Authorities said it is expected that avalanches will be triggered by themselves regularly, and that on their way down mountains could affect roads and even reach settlements.
By Tuesday some easing of the situation is expected, with a decline in snow and rain, and more sunshine expected to carry over into Wednesday and Thursday. More snow and rain could however be seen on Friday, though weather authorities are as yet unsure as to what intensity it could be.
