Hochschwab Mountains

Snowdrift accumulations are still instable, esp. on E/S facing slopes

Snowdrift accumulations are still instable, esp. on E/S facing slopes

Avalanche danger above the treeline is moderate. Main problem: snowdrifts in all aspects, but esp. on east and south-facing slopes. Danger zones near ridges, at entries into gullies and bowls, behind discontinuities. Instable snowdrifts have accumulated in exposed zones, triggerable as small-to-medium slab avalanches even by minimum additional loading. Freshly generated cornices are instable, easily triggered. On shady steep high-altitude slopes, also large avalanches can be triggered (start of a persistent weak layer problem). Windblown surfaces are often icy and hard, acute danger of falling.

Snowdrift accumulations occur not only near ridges, also on E/S facing slopes. Faceted layers and surface hoar clinging to a melt-freeze crust are potential weak layers. Potential weak layers are faceted crystals and surface hoar atop a melt-freeze crust. The base is generally compact and without marked layers, only on steep shady slopes at high altitudes is expansively metamorphosed snow weakening the fundament.

Initially from Dachstein to Totes Gebirge, light snowfall is possible. Later clouds will pass through on the northern flank of the Alps, intermittent sunshine. Further south, pleasant conditions in the latter part of the day. From Hochschwab to Wechsel, icy NW winds will be stormy, further to the west blowing at brisk to strong velocity. Bitter cold, though temperatures will rise slightly during the course of the day.

Rising temperatures. Skies initially overcast, clouds later dispersing through brisk westerly winds, extended sunshine will follow. At 2000 m: between 0 degrees on Zirbitzkogel and +3 degrees on Hochschwab.