Hochschwab Mountains

Snowdrifts + persistent weak layer

Snowdrifts + persistent weak layer

Avalanche prone locations where large additional loading can trigger a slab are located on leeward slopes behind protruberances, on steep slopes and at entries to gullies and bowls. At high altitudes in northern aspects in shady terrain, e.g. gullies, slab avalanches can be triggered (persistent weak layer). In steep rocky and rough terrain, loose-snow slides are possible. Caution urged towards the icy surfaces.

At high altitudes at hard / icy surface has formed atop which the fresh snowdrifts are being deposited. Beneath it the snowpack fundament is compact, has few weak layers which are relevant. Exception: shady, high-altitude slopes., where the process of expansive metamorphosis is continuing, the snowpack evidences increasingly frequently faceted crystals, is forfeiting its firmness and losing its hold.

On Thursday night a warm front will cross the Eastern Alps and bring heavy cloud cover and a bit of precipitation to the northern flank of the Alps in particular on Christmas Eve. Heaviest clouds are expected at the eastern rim of the Alps in the afternoon, where additional precipitation is anticipated (snowfall level oscillating between 1200-1700 m). The southern flank of the Tauern will enjoy more favourable conditions, the cloud cover can disperse occasionally. A moderate to strong (from Hochschwab eastwards also storm-strength) westerly wind will be blowing. Temperatures at midday: Dachstein region at 2000 m 0 degrees; at 1500 m +3 degrees, Hochschwab -2 to +2 degrees. Also on Christmas Day, weather in the mountains will be cloudy. Winds will shift to southwesterly and slacken off. At 2000 m: 0 to 2 degrees. Hardly any precipitation.

No significant change in avalanche danger is expected.