Hochschwab Mountains

Snowdrift accumulations at high altitudes and wet-snow problem: Caution!

Snowdrift accumulations at high altitudes and wet-snow problem: Caution!

Avalanche danger above the timberline is considerable, below that altitude danger is moderate. At high altitudes the fresh snowdrifts can still be triggered by one sole skier, particularly on extended E/S facing slopes, behind abrupt drops in the terrain and in wind-loaded gullies. Due to higher temperatures, (diffuse) radiation and even some rainfall, small-to-medium sized naturally triggered avalanches are possible up to high altitudes. In addition, on steep grassy slopes, glide-snow slides can release naturally. Fresh, often large cornices are instable. Poor visibility makes assessment on-site difficult.

Since the start of this bout of precipitation there has been 100 cm of fresh snow registered in the mountains, often stormy NW winds transported it, depositing new drifts stop unbonded snow where they are prone to triggering. In addition, bonding is poor, often a trigger-sensitive sequence of crusts and faceted layers. As temperatures rise the snowpack will become moist and heavy, lose its firmness. At intermediate and low altitudes the snow fell on bare ground. Steep grassy slopes are enhanced terrain for gliding snow masses.

The pronounced low-pressure front over the Balkans is the determining factor of our weather conditions. In southern Styria, bright intervals are possible, in the northern regions skies will remain gray and the summits will often be veiled in fog, intermittent snowfall is possible. Later in the afternoon the snowfall can intensify from Hochschwab eastwards. The N/NE winds will be brisk, partricularly strong on the eastern rim of the Alps. At 2000 m: 0 degrees; at 1500 m: between +1 and +4 degrees.

Tuesday will be gray in most regions, temperatures a tad higher, winds strong on the eastern rim of the Alps. No big change in avalanche danger levels.