Fischbach Alps East, Wechsel

Some fresh snowdrifts on east-facing slopes

Some fresh snowdrifts on east-facing slopes

Avalanche danger continues to be MODERATE. Danger zones occur near ridgelines on south and east-facing slopes where there is fresh snowdrift. On north-facing slopes at high altitudes, there is a persistent weak layer. Slabs are possible with large additional loading on N/E facing slopes: small to medium sized avalanches.

In Mürzsteger Alps, 20 cm of fresh snow has been registered. In the Wechsel region, much less. The cold northerly winds have transported the fresh snow. Snowdrifts lie deposited on north-facing slopes atop an unfavourably layered snowpack surface. On sunny slopes the old snowpack is hardened.

The NW air current remains dominant, mountains are hung deep with clouds, between Dachstein and Hochschwab there could still be some snowfall in the morning. By Sunday afternoon, 20-30 cm of snowfall is expected. In the afternoon, winds will slacken off, precipitation ease, but cloud cover will remain. At high altitudes, temperatures are low: at 2000 m: -12 degrees. In forested zones, fluffy fresh snow is possible.

On Monday, weather conditions will change, temperatures will rise slightly, heavy cloud cover will move into Styria from the east due to a low over Italy. Variable conditions will prevail, with heavy clouds, the peaks from Koralm to the rimline ranges will be shrouded in fog, in the western regions snowfall will be heavy and persistent. Stormy E/NW winds will be blowing. Further north, much less snowfall. In the Wechsel region, avalanche danger levels are expected to increase.