Hochschwab Mountains

Avalanche danger is low - only few avalanche prone locations due to persistent weak layer

Avalanche danger is low - only few avalanche prone locations due to persistent weak layer

Isolated avalanches can be triggered in the weak old snow by large additional loading, most likely in steep shady terrain above 2000 m. The older snowpack patches are also prone to triggering in places, mostly deposited in cavities such as gullies and bowls. Especially in steep terrrain and in transitions from shallow to deep snow, they should be avoided. Caution also urged towards the risks of falling on icy surfaces.

As a result of the mild and cool phases, along with intermittent rain impact of the last few days, the snowpack has settled by and large. Isolated older snowdrift patches above 2000 m are covered by a thin layer and could be prone to triggering. On shady slopes the process of expansive metamorphosis continues, there the firmness of the snowpack is weakened. Most of the surfaces are covered by melt-freeze crusts which are capable of bearing loads. On sunny slopes the snowpack can transform to firn at high altitudes, at low altitudes it becomes soft. In the zones where snowfall has been heaviest the snowpack on steep sunny slopes is beginning to glide and crack.

The Eastern Alps are in the path of a NW high-altitude air current, initially colder air masses will turn gradually milder. On Tuesday, far reaching cloudbanks will pass through, occasional sunshine is also expected. Temperatures at midday will be: at 2000 m: +1 degree, at 1500 m: +3 degrees. Most of the wind will be light, then shift from SW to W during the day. On Tuesday night snowfall will set in, with intensifying winds from the northwest. On Wednesday skies will remain gray and snowfall above 1000-1300 m is expected in repeated bouts. Most of the snow (about 20 cm) will fall in the northern barrier cloud regions of the Aussee massifs, amid stormy NW winds. On Thursday, more precipitation is anticipated amid storm-strength winds, but as rainfall up to high altitudes.

Increasing avalanche danger! At first in the form of fresh snowdrifts and slabs, later in the form of wet-snow avalanches.