Hochschwab Mountains

Strong increase in avalanche danger already in the morning!

Rapid increase in avalanche danger during the day in some cases

The avalanche danger increases from low to moderate during the day changes. After generally favourable conditions in the morning, the danger of naturally triggered avalanches often increases rapidly as the sun shines and the weather warms up. Medium-sized and occasionally large wet loose snow and slab avalanches can be expected in all aspects, in particular on sunny slopes. Wet avalanches can also be triggered by winter sports enthusiasts. In addition, gliding avalanches can be triggered at any time on steep slopes with smooth ground. In extremely steep, shady areas above 2000 m, small to medium-sized slab avalanches can still be triggered by individuals (persistent weak layer problem).

With outgoing longwave radiation, the snow surface can consolidate, but softens again with the sun's rays. The hardness of the surface varies depending on the effect of the wind. With increasing moisture penetration, the snowpack loses firmness and stability. In addition to loose snow avalanches, spontaneous, wet slab avalanches can also be expected, as liquid water in the snowpack can reactivate former weak layers in the persistent weak layer. In very steep areas with a wet layer on the ground, the snowpack can slide off. Only in very shady areas above 2000 m does the snowpack still have cold reserves and, in some cases, persistent weak layers in the old snow that are prone to triggering.

High pressure influence. The night on Wednesday in the Styrian mountains will be starry and clear, with the last spring clouds gathering shortly after sunset. During the day on Wednesday, the weather will once again be bright, sunny and dry. The sun shines from early to late from a cloudless sky and visibility is very good. The temperature at 2000 metres above sea level will be between -3 and 0 degrees, at 1500 metres between -1 and +6 degrees. In the eastern regions, the initially still brisk to strong north-westerly wind will gradually weaken.

Sunny mountain weather again on Thursday until the early afternoon. The avalanche danger will not change significantly.