Fischbach Alps East, Wechsel

Wet-snow problem

Wet-snow problem

Low avalanche danger prevails in this region. Only on steep grass-covered and leaf-bestrewn slopes at low altititudes can small-sized, wet slides trigger naturally.

In the Graz mountains, Mürztal and Fischbach Alps and the Wechsel region, there is 15-30 cm of snow on the ground at 1100 m which has fallen since the onset of winter on 25 November. Small snowdrift masses cannot be ruled out above the timberline. Due to the higher temperatures on Wednesday the snowpack was able to settle and the snow became moist up to about 1400 m. Through the following drop in temperatures on Thursday, a shallow melt-freeze crust formed on the surface which was then blanketed by a thin layer of fresh snow on Friday.

Following partially clear skies in the early part of the night, cloud cover on Saturday morning will increase as a warm front passes through. By midday the clouds will become heavy, minor precipitation will follow in the afternoon (snowfall level temporarily ascending to 1600 m). Temperatures will also rise significantly, to +4 °C at 1500 m at midday, +1 degree at 1000 m. Light to moderate westerly winds will prevail. On Sunday a cold front will follow in its wake bringing additional precipitation, accompanied by storm-strength northwesterly winds. The snowfall level will rapidly drop down to low lying areas.

No change in danger assessments.