Hochschwab Mountains

Naturally triggered avalanches in steep terrain, isolated snowdrift patches

Naturally triggered avalanches in steep terrain, isolated snowdrift patches

From Hochschwab to Rax, low avalanche danger. But on steep slopes in all aspects, naturally triggered glide-snow/wet-snow avalanches are possible, releases mostly medium-sized. Open glide cracks are indicators of imminent danger. The forecast fresh snowfall and wind will generate furher isolated danger hones from snowdrift patches in estended east-facing slopes.

The snowpack fundament is stable by and large, isolated persistent weak layer problems exist at high altitudes. Starting on Monday in the western sector of the Northern Alps and northern flank of Niedere Tauern, fresh snow up to 10 cm, transported by brisk NW winds into east/south aspects. Bonding adequate. On sunny slopes the snowpack is isotherm and moist, ion shady slopes the snowpack at high altitudes still has reserves of cold. On steep slopes with smooth ground the snowpack glides away. An area-wide snowpack exists only above the treeline.

On Tuesday, slightly colder, variable in the northern regions, peaks of the Northern Alps often veiled in cloud, light snowfall, snowfall dropping from 1400 down to 1100 m. South of the Main Alpine Ridge only scattered clouds, it will remain dry. At 2000 m: -3 to -5 degrees. Brisk winds, in the northeastern ranges also at strong velocity from NW directions.

On Wednesday, milder, winds shifting to westerly, mostly dry and sunny conditions. Fresh snowdrifts will settle and be less likely to trigger, the glide-snow problem will persist.