Hochschwab Mountains

Naturally triggered avalanches all day long

Naturally triggered avalanches all day long

Avalanche danger is assessed as moderate. Due to persistent high temperatures and rainfall in the afternoon which will extend up to summit levels, slopes in all aspects which have not yet discharged will likely releases naturally triggered wet-snow avalanches. In some places, wet slab avalanches and glide-snow avalanches are also possible. Open glide-cracks are to be seen as indicators of imminent danger, should be circumvented. In general, backcountry tours should be terminated early in the day.

The snowpack is hardly able to cool during the cloudy-night skies so that it rapidly becomes moist in early morning. As a result of rainfall the snowpack is becoming thoroughly wet in all aspects and at all altitudes, and gliding snow masses are increasing over smooth ground. In addition, due to rainwater seepage, potential weak layers inside the snowpack can be activated.

Friday will be variable, with brisk SW winds. In the course of the afternoon, a cold front will move in from the northwest, bringing lower temperatures and precipitation. In Upper Styria, rain showers in the afternoon, also isolated thunderstorms, extending to the southern regions by evening. With this front, winds will shift to NW and intensify, temperatures will drop at all altitudes. At midday at 2000 m, +7 degrees.

On Saturday, much cooler, overcast skies in the morning, descending snowfall level (to 1300m) amid rainy weather conditions. In the afternoon, only isolated showers, a bit of sunshine. Moderate to brisk NW winds. At 2000 m: -2 degrees. The lower temperatures will stabilize the snowpack, the small amount of fresh snow will cover the bare ground briefly.