Hochschwab Mountains

Snowdrift accumulations are still instable, esp. on E/S facing slopes

Snowdrift accumulations are still instable, esp. on E/S facing slopes

Avalanche danger above the treeline is moderate. Main problem: snowdrifts in all aspects, but esp. on east and south-facing slopes. Danger zones near ridges, at entries into gullies and bowls, behind discontinuities. Instable snowdrifts have accumulated in exposed zones, triggerable as small-to-medium slab avalanches even by minimum additional loading. On shady steep high-altitude slopes, also large avalanches can be triggered (start of a persistent weak layer problem). Windblown surfaces are often icy and hard, acute danger of falling.

Over the course of the last week, minor loose snow has been transported by variably shifting winds, the snowdrift accumulations are small, poorly bonded with the surface esp. on E/S facing slopes. The surface hoar and faceted crystals are potential weak layers, also the still loose fresh snow. The old snowpack beneath them is compact, without marked weak layers. The snowpack surface is highly diverse, often a hard challenge for skiers, alternating wind crusts, swirls, hardened and icy surfaces. In wind-protected shady terrain and wooded zones there is also loose powder (due to cold, and good outgoing nocturnal radiation beneath clear skies).

On Sunday night heavy clouds will pass through, persist in the northern barrier cloud regions, reduce visibility up to summit level, minor snowfall is possible. South of the Main Alpine Ridge, more tranquil conditions and sunnier. At 2000 m: -5 degrees temperatures dropping: -8 to -10 degrees.

On Monday night a stormy NW wind will move into the entire region of Styria, slackening off during the daytime hours. Tuesday will be overcast, esp. in the northern regions, and cold. Avalanche danger levels are not expected to change significantly.