Hochschwab Mountains

Snowdrift problem on E/N facing slopes

Snowdrift problem on E/N facing slopes

Avalanche danger above 2000 m is moderate.Main problem: recently generated snowdrift accumulations. Danger zones are the snowdrift accumulations in extended eastern aspects where in some places behind discontinuities and on leeward slopes (also distant from ridges) slab avalanches triggerable by large additional loading. In addition, isolated gliding snow activity and glide-snow avalanches can’t be excluded. Due to higher temperatures and solar radiation, naturally triggered loose-snow avalanches are possible on extremely steep rough and rocky slopes.

The snowfall level on Friday lay at 2000 . As a result of the lower temperatures a melt-freeze crust has formed. At high altitudes the fresh snow from Friday has been transported, the drifts were deposited atop a hardened layer or atop faceted crystals. The fundament is still stable.

Perfect mountain weather on Sunday: sunny and mild, winds slackening off. At 2000 m: 0 degrees.

On Monday, superb sunshine again, dry air, unending visibility, light winds (shifting from north to east to southeast). At 2000 m: up to +4 degrees. The zero-degree level at summit level of the Dachstein. Avalanche danger levels will decrease.