Hochschwab Mountains

Caution on north-facing slopes: persistent weak layer

Caution on north-facing slopes: persistent weak layer

Avalanche danger in Styria is low. Isolated avalanche prone locations are located on extremely steep north-facing slopes, where above 2000 m older snowdrift accumulations can trigger upon large additional loading.

The snow depths are currently well below average. In eastern Styria there is far less snow on the ground than in the western regions. The snowpack was able to settle well over the last few days. At high altitudes it is riddled with faceted crystals surrounding melt-freeze layers and is thus weakened. Otherwise the snowpack is hardened and icy. Below the treeline the snowpack is expansively metamorphosed in places.

Above 800 to 1100 m there will again be sunshine on Sunday. At lower altitudes there will be fog in the morning along the rimline ranges. The W/NW winds will be light in the morning, as of midday winds will intensify and bring in noticeably cooler air masses. At 2000 m: +4 degrees in the morning, descending to -5 to 0 degrees in the afternoon. Cloud cover will move in from the northwest in the evening.

Monday: very stormy and colder. A cold front from the north will bring snowfall to the Northern Alps, with poor visibility. On the southern flank of the Alps the precipitation will probably not reach. As of midday, northerly foehn wind will bring sunshine. Avalanche danger will increase in the northern barrier cloud regions.