Hochschwab Mountains

Snowdrifts above 1900 m require caution. AVOID slopes beneath glide cracks.

Snowdrifts above 1900 m require caution. AVOID slopes beneath glide cracks.

Avalanche danger is low, above 1900 m danger is moderate. The risks of wet-snow avalanches have receded, those of glide-snow avalanches persist. Isolated snowdrift masses are located mostly in east-facing terrain behind protruberances and at high-altitude entries into gullies and bowls. On shady slopes these altitudes can also have a persistent weak layer, i.e. surface hoar or faceted crystals, long blanketed by melt-freeze crusts and fresher snow. Exposed terrain is hard and icy, risks of falling.

The shift from higher to lower temperatures has stabilized the snowpack. At low altitudes the surfaces become soft during the day, and even sticky. At higher altitudes they remain melt-freeze encrusted, on shady slopes with compacted powder. Fresh drifts (shallow) can be generated.

The Eastern Alps lie in the path of a powerful westerly air current. Overnight a cold front will pass through, bringing precipitation in the latter part of the night (minor). The snowfall level will lie at 800m. In the morning the low lying clouds will disperse and it will become quite sunny, accompanied by some cirrus clouds at high altitude. Along the Northern Alps, strong to stormy westerly winds will prevail. Temperature at midday at 2000 m: -7 degrees; at 1500m -2 degrees. Further south the clouds will become heaver in the morning, sunshine will be only intermittent. In the afternoon along the Styrian rimline ranges above 1000 m, minor snowfall is possible. Westerly winds will be moderate, easing during the day. Temperatures at midday at 2000 m: -4 degrees; at 1500m: +1 degree. On Sunday along the Northern Alps, mostly heavy cloud cover, a bit of minor precipitation. The south, on the other hand, will have lots of sunshine. Temperatures will rise slightly, a moderate wind will be blowing. Monday will become stormy.

No change in avalanche danger is expected.