Hochschwab Mountains

Some fresh snowdrift accumulations atop melt-freeze encrusted old snow

Some fresh snowdrift accumulations atop melt-freeze encrusted old snow

Avalanche danger is low. As a result of the fresh fallen snow and, in some places, stormy NW winds, frsh small snowdrift accumulations were generated at high altitudes. Above 1800 m these can be triggered as small avalanches on steep slopes. Apart from that, there are isolated avalanche prone locations due to the persistent weak layer. Weak layers can bet most easily disturbed on the high altitude slopes of the Dachstein Massif. Due to the shallow snow depths, often with melt-freeze encrusted or surface-hoar blanketed surfaces, the risks of taking a fall outweigh those of being buried in snow masses.

As a result of the fresh snow and often stormy NW winds, fresh small snowdrift patches were formed at high altitudes. In those zones where the precipitation was initially rainfall and then became snowfall during the course of the day, bonding to the old snow is good. At higher altitudes, bonding of drifts to the encrusted old snow is weak. Snowdrift patches can be more easily triggered in these areas, and lead to small avalanches. Apart from that, on shady high altitude slopes there are potential weak layers inside the old snowpack.

On Friday (Epiphany) sunny weather will prevail. In the early morning, still lots of clouds and final showers, but clouds will swiftly disperse and make room for the sun. A few cirrus clouds will remain tenacious all day long. Winds will be light. At midday at 2000 m: +3 degrees.

On Saturday sunshine will dominate. Mild temperatures, not much wind. No major change is expected in avalanche danger levels.