Hochschwab Mountains

Considerable avalanche danger above the treeline - caution wind slab problem!

Considerable avalanche danger above the treeline - caution wind slab problem!

The avalanche is above the treeline considerable. Danger spots which are formed due to fresh snowdrift are found especially in the expositions northwest via east till south. They can be triggered by small additional loads as slab avalanches. Spontaneous gliding-snow avalanches from steep, smooth slopes are possible.

Fresh snowdrift deposits are placed on top of an old snow cover with which it is often sufficiently bonded. Soft layers within the fresh cover or in shady slopes within the old snow near the surface can function as weak layers. On Monday around 35 cm new snow is called which will form - due to strong northwesterly wind influence - unevenly amounts of fresh snowdrift packs. Wetness from the ground can lead to a loss of friction of the snowcover in steep smooth slopes.

Sunday night a striking Tropospheric trough is coming. The Styrian mountains are cloudy with stormy northwesterly winds and snow. The snowline is between 1.000 and 1.200 m. The focus of precipitation is Niedere Tauern with 30-40 cm new snow. Northern Foehn winds are causing partially clear-ups in the south an no precipitation. Temperatures in 2.000 m at noon are around -6 degrees.

From Tuesday on the influence of high-pressure system is noticable. Low clouds are persistent, but only few showers ar possible. In the Nordstau area maximum 10 cm new snow - temperatures are rising slowly. The wind slab problem is decreasing with the setteling of the snow cover. The gliding snow problem stays.