Hochschwab Mountains

Glide-snow avalanches are the main danger

Glide-snow avalanches are the main danger

Avalanche danger is moderate above 1400 m, the main peril stems from glide-snow avalanches which can release naturally due to the thoroughly wet snowpack in all aspects with ongoing solar radiation, especially on south-facing steep grass-covered slopes and forest zones. Areas with danger zones (glide cracks, fractures) should be avoided. The likelihood of dry-snow slab avalanches triggering is limited to extremely steep shady gullies and entry zones above 2400 m. In exposed not directly-sundrenched terrain the snowpack surface is hardened: danger of falling.

The moist-to-wet snowpack is compact by and large up to high altitudes. Winds plus nocturnal outgoing radiation generate a melt-freeze crust which is not always capable of bearing loads. A lubricating layer at ground level is furthering the gliding movement of the snowpack. Above 2400 m on shady slopes, snowdrift accumulations can be triggered due to poor bonding to the old snowpack. Low altitude zones are becoming bare of snow.

Following a night of predominantly clear skies, the mild weather will continue on Sunday. Initially the sunshine will be slightly impaired by high-altitude clouds, starting at midday the cloud cover will become heavier from the west. All in all, weather will be sunny and dry. Midday temperatures at 2000 m: +8 degrees; at 1500 m: +10 degrees. The W/NW winds will frequently be brisk, intensifying during the day. On Monday, widespread cooler and stormier weather with more clouds and a few rain showers / snow showers in the north. Sunny and mostly dry in the southern regions.

Danger of glide-snow avalanches slightly receding.