Fischbach Alps East, Wechsel

Fresh snowdrifts above the timberline

Fresh snowdrifts above the timberline

In the Wechsel region moderate avalanche danger prevails above the treeline. Danger zones are freshly generated snowdrift acumulations in extended north-facing terrain on ridgeline slopes and behind abrupt discontinuities in the terrain, particularly in steep entries into gullies and bowls, where snowdrift masses can often be triggered even by minimum additional loading and generate a slab avalanche, although not large-sized releases.

Brisk southerly winds have transported the fresh snow to north-facing slopes. Bonding of fresh snow to the old snowpack is insufficient. At intermediate and low altitudes the fresh snow lies deposited atop a fragmented snowpack fundament, on sunny slopes on bare ground.

On Tuesday night a bit of rainfall/snowfall is anticipated, in the Niedere Tauern and Hochschwab regions a few centimetres of fresh snow is expected. Dachstein and Totes Gebirge will remain without fresh snow. The snowfall level lies at valley floor. Wednesday: the snowfall will taper off in the morning. In the afternoon clouds will disperse and some sunshine is expected. Westerly winds will reach speeds of 30-50 km/hr. At 2000 m: -8 degrees.

It will remain cold, avalanche danger levels are not expected to change.