Hochschwab Mountains

Note the persistent weak layer problem in the extended northern sector!

Note the persistent weak layer problem in the extended northern sector!

The avalanche risk is low. Nevertheless, there is still a persistent weak layer problem in the extended northern sector. In a few places, mainly in very steep gullies and bowls, slab avalanches can be triggered by people. The avalanche prone locations are usually difficult to recognise and are often located in transition areas from a little to a lot of snow. In addition, smaller wet loose snow avalanches can occasionally release themselves in extremely steep terrain.

With outgoing longwave radiation, the snowpack gains firmness. On the sunny slopes, the melt-freeze crust increasingly softens and the snowpack becomes wet or moist up to the higher elevations. On the shady slopes, there are still areas with a soft (faceted) snow surface at high altitudes, but the layer is usually already hard here too. Below this, there are still weak layers in the form of faceted crystals. In addition, the foundation of floating snow (deep rime) continues to weaken the snowpack. Medium (sunny slopes) and low altitudes are largely free of snow.

Continued high pressure. There will be hardly any cloud cover on Sunday night and it will remain frost-free in open areas. The sun will shine frequently on Sunday, although the sky will be slightly hazy. In the afternoon, high clouds will increase in Upper Styria. The temperature will drop slightly. At an altitude of 2000 metres it will be between 0 and +4 degrees, at an altitude of 1500 metres between +2 and +8 degrees. Moderate winds from east to south.

On Monday, there will be slightly more humid air in Styria and more clouds. As a result, there will often be hardly any outgoing longwave radiation at night and less consolidation of the snow surface. The wind from southerly directions will pick up a little. In addition to persistent weak layer problems, a slight increase in the danger of wet avalanches during the daytime changes.