Hochschwab Mountains

Ridgeline snowdrift patches, naturally triggered glide-snow avalanches in steep terrain

Ridgeline snowdrift patches, naturally triggered glide-snow avalanches in steep terrain

Avalanche danger is moderate above 1900 m, below that altitude danger is low. On steep slopes in all aspects, naturally triggered glide-snow/wet-snow avalanches can be expected, most releases medium-sized. Open glide cracks are indicators of imminent danger. In addition, at high altitudes in extended east-facing terrain behind discontinuities there are snowdrift accumulations which in places can be triggered by 1 person, releases reaching medium-to-large size.

At high altitudes, ridgeline snowdrift accumulations have been generated by minor fresh snow and moderate W/NW winds, the drifts have not yet bonded with the snowpack surface. Windblown slopes and crests are often hard or icy, such danger zones are especially risky for falling. At intermediate and lower altitudes the snowpack is very moist-to-wet due to rain impact, can glide over smooth ground.

A weakening NW airstream will bring milder air masses to the Eastern Alps. On Thursday, some residual clouds of the receding warm front, longest from Hochschwab to Rax. From the west, pleasant conditions in the afternoon. At 2000 m: +3 degrees; at 1500 m: +7 degrees. The W/NW winds will be moderate in the morning, later on only light. On Friday, very mild air masses will reach us, everywhere sunny, light W/SW winds. At 2000 m at midday: +8 degrees.

As temperatures rise, the snowdrift problem will recede. The gliding snow problem will persist.