Hochschwab Mountains

Low avalanche danger but isolated avalanche prone locations at high altitudes in the Northern Alps

Low avalanche danger but isolated avalanche prone locations at high altitudes in the Northern Alps

Avalanche danger throughout Styria is low, isolated avalanche prone locations (older snowdrift accumulations) occur at high altitudes of the Dachstein and Totes Gebirge Massif near ridgelines, at entry points into steep gullies and bowls and in general behind abrupt discontinuities in the terrain in isolated cases where small slab avalanches can be triggered in isolated cases. Attentiveness is required especially towards the snowdrift accumulations on shady slopes. Below 2000 m on steep grassy slopes in all aspects, naturally triggered avalanches can be expected. Open glide cracks are danger signals, avoid those zones.

In general, snow depths are extremely below average for this juncture of the season. The snowpack below 1700 m is fragmented. Up to over 2000 m the snowpack is at very least moist. Only at high altitudes is there a cohesive snowpack, and a stable snowpack fundament. Older snowdrift patches have been able to consolidate in places, particularly on high altitude shady slopes the drifts are poorly bonded with the old snowpack below. Below 2000 m the shallow snowpack on steep grassy slopes is gliding away.

On Wednesday night the air current will shift to southwesterly. On the northern flank of the Alps it will become a bit milder, winds will be blowing at light to moderate strength, light cloudbanks will pass through, mostly sunshine will prevail. After sunset the cloud in the Northern Alps and near the Koralpe will increase. At 2000 m, -1 degree in Turrach, +3 degree in Totes Gebirge.

A weak cold front will briefly bring lower temperatures on Thursday night, some minor snowfall. On Friday morning, scattered clouds, rising temperatures. Then a SW air current will persist until after the New Year with mild temperatures and not much precipitation. Avalanche danger levels are not expected to change. Due to higher temperatures and solar radiation, the snowpack will become wetter, naturally triggered glide-snow and wet-snow avalanches require attentiveness. The snowpack will continue to recede.