Hochschwab Mountains

Moderate danger: fresh snowdrifts on extended S-facing slopes

Moderate danger: fresh snowdrifts on extended S-facing slopes

Moderate danger prevails at high altitudes. Danger zones are freshly generated snowdrift accumulations on E/S/W facing slopes where slabs can often be triggered by the weight of one person. Particularly ridgeline slopes, protruberances and entries into gullies and bowls need to be assessed critically. In addition, on north-facing slopes in shady high-altitude terrain, isolated older snowdrifts can be triggered as slabs, particularly in transitions from shallow to deep snow - avoid them!

In the Northern Alps there was up to 50 cm of fresh snow registered, accompanied by strong northerly winds. In the southern sectors there have been fresh snowdrifts accumulated. The fresh snow and drifts were deposited atop a melt-freeze encrusted old snowpack or atop older snowdrifts. The new snowdrift masses are prone to triggering and can also contain weak layers. In transitions to the old snow, weak layers can be formed (cold on warm). In shady high altitude terrain, faceted crystals are weakening the fundament (persistent weak layer). On sunny slopes and at low altitudes the snowpack fundament is largely stable.

Monday will be variably cloudy, the sun often impeded by low lying clouds, visibility frequently reduced. In northeastern regions in the morning, light snowfall is possible. Winds will shift to northeasterly, bring still colder air masses our way. Temperatures will drop: at 2000 m to -12 degrees. Strong winds will sharpen the cold, but slacken off starting at midday.

High-pressure front conditions on Tuesday will bring brilliantly sunny weather. The snowdrift problem will slowly recede.