Hochschwab Mountains

Naturally triggered glide-snow avalanches in steep terrain

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, on Ash Wednesday stormy winds can transport the snow further, the drifts have not yet bonded with the snowpack surface. At intermediate and lower altitudes the snowpack is very moist-to-wet due to rain impact, can glide over smooth ground.

On Wednesday a weak warm front will reach the Eastern Alps. Following a night of often clear skies, the day will generally being with only a few clouds. On the northern flank of the Alps cloud cover will increase in the course of the morning, in the afternoon the summits will disappear in fog. Not much precipitation is expected. On the southern flank of the Alps mostly sunny. In ridgeline terrain and at summit level, light to moderate NW winds, stronger on the eastern rim of the Alps. At 2000 m: -2 degrees; at 1500 m: +2 degrees. On Thursday, sunshine and clouds will alternate. It will be milder. Friday will be quite warm.

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