Hochschwab Mountains

Snowdrifts + persistent weak layer

Snowdrifts + persistent weak layer

Avalanche prone locations where large additional loading can trigger a slab are located on leeward slopes behind protruberances, on steep slopes and at entries to gullies and bowls. At high altitudes in northern aspects in shady terrain, e.g. gullies, slab avalanches can be triggered (persistent weak layer). In steep rocky and rough terrain, loose-snow slides are possible. Caution urged towards the icy surfaces.

At high altitudes at hard / icy surface has formed atop which the fresh snowdrifts are being deposited. Beneath it the snowpack fundament is compact, has few weak layers which are relevant. Exception: shady, high-altitude slopes., where the process of expansive metamorphosis is continuing, the snowpack evidences increasingly frequently faceted crystals, is forfeiting its firmness and losing its base.

Following the mild (and, at high altitudes, stormy) westerly air current on Christmas Eve, colder air masses will gradually seep in from the northeast on Christmas Day, the temperatures will recede only slightly to begin with. Amid moderate to brisk SW winds, heavy cloud cover will dominate. Temperatures at midday at 2000 m: 0 degrees; at 1500 m: +3 degrees. Boxing Day will divide its weather in two: clouds will continue to dominate everywhere, but along the Northern Alps and Tauern it will remain mild and minor precipitation (rain up to 1500 m) is anticipated. Near the rimline ranges, on the other hand, it will be measurably colder and snowfall can extend far lower.

No significant change in avalanche danger is expected.