Hochschwab Mountains

Circumvent trigger-prone snowdrift accumulations

Circumvent trigger-prone snowdrift accumulations

Avalanche danger is moderate above 1800 m, below that altitude danger is low. Fresh trigger-prone snowdrifts are the main danger. Danger zones occur on N/E/S facing slopes at entries to steep gullies and bowls and in general behind discontinuities in the terrain where fresh snowdrifts can trigger a medium slab avalanche by 1 person down to the treeline, releases up to medium size. Frequency and size of danger zones increase with ascending altitude. As a result of solar radiation, isolated small loose-snow slides are possible in extremely steep terrain.

The fresh snow (30-50 cm) of the last few days lies deposited atop a compact snowpack base. The old snow is thoroughly moist, but was able to consolidate due to the lower temperatures in recent days. The fresh snow is well bonded with the old snowpack. Further snowfall plus brisk W/NW winds will generate fresh small snowdrift accumulations, bonding to the loose fresh fallen snow is poor, prone to triggering. As a result of solar radiation, the fresh snow will be able to settle during the course of the day.

Gray skies in the northern barrier clouds regions on Sunday, minor snowfall compared to the last few days. Further south, sunny intervals, brisk-to-strong N/NW winds, also snow showers as an exception. Winds will slacken off. At 2000 m: -8 degrees.

It will remain cool, but mostly dry. Avalanche danger levels are not expected to change significantly.