Hochschwab Mountains

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

Isolated 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). 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 Friday a mild SW airstream will move in, summits of Gurktal and Seetal Alps, of the western rimline ranges and the southern Niedere Tauern will be veiled in fog and stormy SW winds will be blowing. In upper Murtal minor precipitation is expected, snowfall level at 1500 m. At 2000 m: in the south -1 degree, in the Northern Alps 2 degrees milder, winds lighter.

The SW airstream will continue on Saturday bringing minor snowfall to high altitudes in the southern ranges. A minor snowdrift problem will be generated. Avalanche danger will remain low.