Hochschwab Mountains

Fresh snowdrift masses at high altitudes

Fresh snowdrift masses at high altitudes

Avalanche danger above 2000 m is moderate, below that altitude danger is moderate. Some fresh snow and intensifying NW winds continue to generate fresh small snowdrift accumulations. Danger zones occur esp. near ridgelines and behind abrupt drops in the terrain on shady slopes as well as in extended eastern aspects, they are prone to triggering. Wet loose-snow avalanches on extremely steep slopes which have not yet discharged are isolated, possible in case of longer solar radiation and large amounts of rain.

After the snowpack was moistened by the mild temperatures and rainfall, it regained some firmness at high altitudes. The fresh snow and wind generated new snowdrift accumulations which are poorly bonded with the old snowpack surface and are prone to triggering. Intermediate altitude slopes are becoming bare of snow, what remains is moist-to-wet- Rain and extended solar radiation are destabilizing the snowpack.

A high-pressure trough is spreading over northern Europe as far as the Eastern Alps, bringing instable weather conditions on Tuesday. In the morning, some sunshine, convective cloud build-up. As of midday a tendency towards showers in the Tauern regions. Later, rain and snow showers can be expected, isolated thunderstorms in the rimline ranges. Snowfall level in the Northern Alps at 1200 m, in the southern regions at 1600 m. Winds will be brisk to strong fron NW. At 2000 m: -3 degrees in the north, 0 degrees in the south.

Instable conditions on Wednesday. In the Northern Alps dense clouds, repeated bouts of rain and snow (down to 800 m). In southern regions scattered clouds, bright intervals, thunderstorms in the rimline ranges. Little change in the avalanche situation.