Hochschwab Mountains

Daytime cycle of avalanche danger. End skiing tours early!

Daytime cycle of avalanche danger. End skiing tours early!

Due to solar radiation and daytime warming, avalanche danger rises in the morning from LOW to MODERATE. Generally favorable backcountry touring conditions prevail, but at the same time, a few avalanche problems. Glide-snow avalanches are possible at any time of day or night and can become large. In steep north-facing gullies there are still a few avalanche prone locations from a permanent weak layer at which slab avalanches can be triggered by mountaineers. Due to solar radiation and daytime warming, the likelihood of naturally triggered wet loose-snow and slab avalanches increases in steep, sunny terrain.

During another night of clear skies the snowpack regained firmness, but due to mild temperatures will rapidly soften and become instable up to high altitudes during the day, particularly on sunny slopes. The snowpack is becoming wetter and wetter, at intermediate altitudes the snow is already rotten. On steep north-facing slopes there are still reserves of cold and there, faceted crystals have formed potential weak layers.

High-pressure front weather conditions which have persisted through nearly all of March are slowly coming to a close. On Tuesday, a westerly high-altitude air current will bring thin clouds, initially without hindering the sunshine much. Light winds. At 2000 m: +5 degrees; at 1500 m: +10 degrees. On Wednesday the air current will shift to southwesterly, clouds accumulate throughout the mountains and starting at midday light rainfall will set in. On Thursday, precipitation is expected over widespread areas, the snowfall level will descend to 1300 m in the course of the day, higher peaks will remain free.

Avalanche danger will no longer be subject to a daytime cycle, danger will thus decrease for a brief spell. Starting on Thursday, fresh snowdrifts will be generated at high altitudes, avalanche danger will increase slightly.