Hochschwab Mountains

Naturally triggered wet-snow avalanches can sometimes be large-sized

Naturally triggered wet-snow avalanches can sometimes be large-sized

Avalanche danger above 1500m is considerable below that altitude there is little snow on the ground. The wet-snow problem requires attentiveness right from early morning. In steep terrain is all aspects wet-snow avalanches can trigger at any time of day or night, naturally or triggered by winter sports enthusiasts. At times they can fracture down to ground level and grow to large size. During the afternoon, new danger zones will be generated by fresh snowdrift accumulations.

As a result of the rain impact up to summit levels the snowdrift accumulations from the beginning of the week are instable, the snowpack has weakened further through moistness. Thereby, older, more deeply embedded layers inside the snowpack can also fracture and releases can grow to larger size. At lower altitudes the snowpack became thoroughly wet even earlier, and below 1500m there is little snow on the ground. As of afternoon above 1700m, new snowdrifts will accumulate on leeward slopes.

On Friday, dense clouds, poor visibility. Dry in the morning, clouds moving in later from the west bringing showers which will then intensify. Most precipitation is expected in the Niedere Tauern. Snowfall level at 1700m. Brisk to strong westerly winds. Temperatures at 2000 m: 0 degrees. Saturday will be cool and variable, with intermittent snow showers. Below 1500m, rainfall. Winds will be NW, gradually slackening off by evening.

Below 1500m the slopes are becoming bare of snow. Above that altitude, no significant change in avalanche danger levels is expected.