Hochschwab Mountains

Wind-loaded east-facing slopes

Wind-loaded east-facing slopes

Avalanche danger above the treeline is moderate. Danger zones lies near ridgelines and behind abrupt discontinuities in the terrain. Special caution urged on north and east-facing slopes at high altitudes. On north-facing slopes: persistent weak layer. A slab release is possible even by minimum additional loading.

In the Northern Alps and Hochschwab region, 10-20 cm of fresh snowfall has been registered. In the Dachstein region and in the Ennstal Alps the snow fell with little wind. The fresh snow is unbonded and fluffy. Small ridgeline snowdrifts have accumulated. The fresh drifts blanket the older drifts, beneath which a loose layer of snow lies embedded. Inside the fundament on shady slopes lies a sequence of melt-freeze crusts and faceted layers. This is a persistent weak layer problem! On sunny slopes the old snowpack is icy and hard.

Summit zones will be shrouded all day long in heavy cloud, light snowfall is expected in Upper Styria. Winds will be strong, especially in the afternoon at high altitudes. At 2000 m: -13 degrees, with the windchill added it seems far colder. Little change in weather conditions is expected: heavy cloud, intermittent snowfall in Upper Styria. Strong winds from the northwest. The southern mountain massifs will probably remain dry.

On Saturday, another 20 cm of fresh snowfall is expected, amid strong winds. Avalanche danger will remain considerable.