Hochschwab Mountains

Moderate avalanche danger prevails

Moderate avalanche danger prevails

Avalanche danger is moderate. Due to rain, the wet-snow avalanches are the biggest problem, thy can release naturally or be triggered by skiers in steep zones which have not yet discharged. For glide-snow avalanches, take heed of the glide cracks: they are red flags. At high altitudes where there is wind impact, some snowfall, small drifts will accumulate. Deteriorating visibility can be expected.

Due to intermittent rainfall up to high altitudes the already isotherm snowpack will moisten or become thoroughly wet. Thereby, snowpack firmness will be forfeited, the tendency towards naturally triggered wet snow slides will increase. On steep slopes where there is still sufficient snow and on grassy slopes which have not yet discharged, the entire snowpack can slide away just like a glide-snow avalanche. At high altitudes, the older and fresh snowdrift accumulations still require caution.

Already in early morning the cold front will spread precipitation in the NW regions, rainfall will follow in all the Styrian massifs, frequently heavy, even thunderstorms are possible. The snowfall level will descend to about 2000m. Overall, cloud cover will predominate all day long, though some bright intervals are possible. Storm-strength NW winds. Temperatures will recede. At midday at 1500m: +6 degrees; at 2000 m: +2 degrees.

On Saturday, mostly heavy, low-lying clouds, the snowpack level will descend to 1200m, some snowfall/rainfall is possible. A strong N/NW wind will be blowing. Temperatures will recede another notch. At 1500m: -1 degree; at 2000m: -4 degrees. Due to rainfall, the wet-snow situation will prevail; due to some fresh snow and wind, take heed of drifts at high altitudes.