Hochschwab Mountains

Naturally triggered avalanches in steep terrain, isolated high-altitude snowdrift problem

Naturally triggered avalanches in steep terrain, isolated high-altitude snowdrift problem

Avalanche danger is low, but isolated naturally triggered glide-snow avalanches can trigger on steep slopes in all aspects. Open glide cracks are indicators of imminent danger. In addition, isolated danger zones on high-altitude N/E/S-facing slopes have small snowdrift accumulations. Particularly at entries into extremely steep gullies, backcountry tourers can trigger a small slab avalanche.

The snowpack fundament is stable by and large, isolated persistent weak layer problems exist at high altitudes. Since Monday on N/E/S facing slopes, snowdrift patches have been generated, mostly well bonded with the snowpack. On sunny slopes the snowpack is isotherm and moist, ion shady slopes the snowpack at high altitudes still has reserves of cold. On steep slopes with smooth ground the snowpack glides away up to high altitudes.

On Thursday a low over Upper Italy will send its harbingers in the form of cloudbanks to the mountains of Styria. Particularly the summits of the Gurktal Alps and Niedere Tauern will often be shrouded in clouds but it will probably remain dry, and some afternoon sunshine is possible. Brisk to strong SW winds, stormy near the Koralpe. At 2000 m: -1 degree at the Turrach and +4 degrees in Totes Gebirge.

On Friday the low over Italy will bring gray skies and wet weather, frequent rainfall/snowfall (heavy in western and southern Upper Styria). Snowfall level will drop in the Northern Alps to below 1000 m, south of the Main Alpine Ridge it will lie at 1300 m. At high altitudes, a snowdrift problem will be generated, avalanche danger levels will increase.