Fischbach Alps East, Wechsel

Low danger in general, but isolated fresh snowdrift accumulations at high altitudes

Low danger in general, but isolated fresh snowdrift accumulations at high altitudes

At high altitudes the snowpack fundament is stable, the surface is blanketed by a thick melt-freeze crust. From place to place the storm-strength northerly winds can generate fresh snowdrift accumulations. Avalanache prone locations are found in southern aspects at entries to extremely steep gullies and bowls where inisolated cases small slab avalanches can be triggered. On steep grassy slopes at lower altitudes, small-to-medium sized glide-snow avalanches can still release. At high altitudes, caution urged towards the peril of being forced to take a fall on the icy surfaces.

At low and intermediate altitudes the snowpack is thoroughly wet and, depending on altitude, covered with a melt-freeze crust. On steep, grass-covered slopes a glide film has formed. At high altitudes the surface is ice-encrusted, beneath that the snowpack is compact and evidences no weak layers. Only in very shady high altitude terrain are there still weak layers (faceted crystals) which can fracture from large additional loading. As a result of strong-to-stormy northerly winds on Friday, small fresh snowdrift accumulations will be generated in south-facing aspects, but will be relatively well bonded with the snow base.

On Friday, mostly sunny mountain weather, only in the Mürztal Alps will heavy cloud impede the sun somewhat. Here in the evening, minor snowfall is possible. Winds will be strong to stormy from NW to N (gusts up to 90 km/hr). Temperature at 2000 m at midday: about -3 degrees, dropping by evening to -5 degrees in some places.

Avalanche danger will remain low in the next few days.