Hochschwab Mountains

Wet-snow avalanches possible at any time on steep slopes. Isolated persistent weak layer and snowdrifts at high altitudes.

Wet-snow avalanches possible at any time on steep slopes. Isolated persistent weak layer and snowdrifts at high altitudes.

Avalanche danger is generally low. Above 2000 m there are still danger zones where isolated slab avalanches can be triggered at entries into shady-slopes steep gullies (medium-sized). In addition, small fresh snowdrift patches on east-facing ridgelines should be avoided, these can in isolated cases trigger small slab avalanches by minimum additional loading. Below 2000 m on steep S/E facing slopes, naturally triggered set loose-snow and glide-snow avalanches can be expected, possible at any time of day or night.

Older snowdrifts have been able to settle further due to higher temperatures, otherwise the snowpack surface is hard and icy at high altitudes, below the surface there are expansively metamorphosed slopes at high altitudes which are trigger-prone and the lower snowpack is moist-to-wet. The slopes at intermediate and lower altitudes are becoming bare of snow.

On Wednesday night, rainfall/snowfall in the northern barrier cloud regions, snowfall level at night will be 1500 m, during the daytime at 2000 m. Clouds and precipitation will be tenacious in the Northern Alps on Thursday, winds brisk from the west, only intermittent sunshine. South of the Main Alpine Ridge clouds will swiftly disperse in the morning, it will turn sunny and winds will be moderate from the west. At 2000 M. -1 degree in early morning, rising to +2 degrees.

On Friday, mild SW airstream conditions, clouds will pass through, peaks along the Carinthian border and in Niedere Tauern will be shrouded in fog. It will remain dry by and large. Avalanche danger will remain low.