Hochschwab Mountains

Low avalanche danger, but some steep slopes in all aspects loose-snow and slab avalaches possible

Low avalanche danger, but some steep slopes in all aspects loose-snow and slab avalaches possible

Apart from increasingly poor visibility, generally favorable backcountry touring conditions prevail, despite certain specific avalanche problems. Glide-snow avalanches are possible at any time of day or night. Avoid glide-cracks. In steep north-facing gullies there are still a few avalanche prone locations from a permanent weak layer at which slab avalanches can be triggered by mountaineers. Due to lack of solar radiation and relatively high temperatures, naturally triggered wet loose-snow and slab avalanches cannot be ruled out in steep terrain.

The snowpack is becoming wetter and wetter, at intermediate altitudes the snow is already rotten. On steep north-facing slopes there are still reserves of cold and there, faceted crystals have formed potential weak layers.

High-pressure front weather conditions which have persisted through nearly all of March have ended. Over the western Mediterranean a low pressure front has formed with a SW air current, bringing moderately moist air masses our way. On Tuesday night, high-altitude clouds will move in, on Wednesday the clouds will drop lower, the peaks will become shrouded in fog. In the afternoon, light rainfall will set in from the south. Some bright intervals are possible in the morning, most likely from Hochschwab eastwards. Winds will be moderate from the southwest, shifting in the evening to northwest. At 2000 m: +2 degrees; at 1500 m: +6 degrees. On Thursday, heavy cloud will dominate throughout the land, the peaks will be veiled in fog, snowfall above 1200-1400 m. On Friday, further precipitation, with a descending snowfall level. Temperatures will drop, winds will still be moderate.

Starting on Thursday, fresh snowdrifts will be generated at high altitudes, avalanche danger will rise slightly. Until the weekend, a late-winter phase will prevail.