Hochschwab Mountains

Glide-snow avalanches are the main danger

Glide-snow avalanches are the main danger

Avalanche danger is moderate, the main peril stems from glide-snow avalanches which can release naturally due to the thoroughly wet snowpack in all aspects with ongoing solar radiation, especially on south-facing steep grass-covered slopes and forest zones and can place exposed transportation routes and trails at risk. Areas with danger zones (glide cracks, fractures) should be avoided. On extremely steep slopes, particularly on sunny slopes, naturally triggered wet-snow avalanches can release or be triggered by additional loading. The likelihood of dry-snow slab avalanches triggering is limited to extremely steep shady gullies and entry zones above 2400 m.

Heavy rain up to high altitudes and subsequent solar radiation amid persistent mild temperatures are moistening the snowpack up to high altitudes, it is thoroughly wet at low and intermediate altitudes. Heavy wind impact and a melt-freeze encrusted surface prevail. The snowpack regain only minimum firmness at night. A lubricating layer at ground level is furthering the gliding movement of the snowpack. Above 2400 m on shady slopes, snowdrift accumulations can be triggered due to poor bonding to the old snowpack.

In the Niedere Tauern and Northern Alps the new year starts with heavily overcast skies, the summits often shrouded in fog, in the southern regions sunshine dominates. In the afternoon, sunshine will come to the fore gradually. The NW winds will be stormy, particularly in northern and eastern regions, but slacken off measurably during the day. Temperatures will be mild: at 2000 m, +3 degrees, at 1500 m, +5 degrees.On Sunday, continuing mild weather and still sunny skies. As of midday, increasing clouds from the west.

Avalanche danger slightly receding. The Avalanche Warning Service wishes one and all a good slide into the New Year!