Hochschwab Mountains

Beware blanketed snowdrifts

Beware blanketed snowdrifts

Avalanche danger above the timberline is considerable, below that altitude danger is moderate. Danger zones occur in all aspects, hard to recognize since they are blanketed by fresh snowdrifts. Particularly critical: steep north/east-facing slopes, since many new snowdrift accumulations have been generated there. Self-restraint is imperative in all aspects. Medium-sized slab and loose-snow avalanches can be triggered even by 1 person on steep slopes. In addition, medium-sized naturally triggered avalanches can be expected, esp. in extremely steep rocky terrain.

The snowpack base is stable by and large, but there is a persistent weak layer problem on high-altitude shady slopes. On sunny slopes the fundament is isotherm and moist, glides over smooth ground. During the course of the day on Friday, up to 50 cm of fresh snow was registered, initially accompanied by little wind, but later the southerly winds transported the snow to north-facing slopes. Fresh snow can have weak layers which weakens the snowpack under the increasing weight.

On Friday night the precipitation will gradually come to an end in Styria’s mountains. To start with, clouds will lodge against the mountain flanks from the south, later the sun will come out. Later still during the day on Saturday, thin high clouds will hamper the sunshine somewhat. Winds will be moderate. In eastern regions, brisk to strong S/SW winds. At 2000 m: -2 to -3 degrees.

On Sunday, residual clouds will disperse in the morning, sun will prevail, with moderate SW winds, stronger on the eastern rim of the Alps. The fresh snow and snowdrift problem will slowly recede, avalanche danger levels decrease.