Hochschwab Mountains

Caution: persistent weak layer and fresh snow problem as day unfolds

Caution: persistent weak layer and fresh snow problem as day unfolds

Above the timberline, moderate avalanche danger prevails. Avalanche prone locations in the form of older snowdrift accumulations occur primarily on E/S facing slopes above the treeline. Particularly behind protruberances in the terrain, behind ridges and in steep entries into gullies and bowls, slab avalanches can trigger from the old snow. In places, danger zones will be blanketed by fresh snow during the course of the day. In addition, regions where snowfall is heavy are endangered by glide-snow avalanches on very steep slopes. Open glide cracks are indicators of potential danger.

The snowpack is highly varied: zones blown bare adjacent to concavities filled to the brim with snow. Older snowdrift accumulations have been able to settle. However, there are faceted weak layers near the buried crusts in transitions to the old snowpack which can be triggered. In some places, a ground-level gliding layer has formed, particularly on steep grassy slopes the snowpack can glide away naturally.

A low over Italy is bringing instable conditions and gloomy mountain weather. Slopes and summits will be shrouded in heavy cloud all day long, visibility severely limited. Repeated bouts of light precipitation are possible starting in early morning, intensifying as the day unfolds. The snowfall level will lie at 1300-1500m in Northern Alps and Niedere Tauern in early morning. During the course of the day it will descend gradually to nearly 1000m. Winds in exposed terrain will be blowing at moderate to brisk strength from the west. Temperature at 2000m: -1 degree, dropping during the daytime hours. On Saturday, intensive snowfall all day long, down to low lying areas. Impressive amounts of fresh fallen snow are anticipated in the mountains. Poor visibility. Winds will be westerly, mostly moderate, intensifying later in the day. Temperatures will drop at all altitudes. At midday at 2000m: -6 degrees.

Significant increase in avalanche danger due to fresh snow, subsequently amplified by strong winds which will reinforce the snowdrift problem.