Hochschwab Mountains

Pay close heed to fresh snowdrift patches and wet snow

Pay close heed to fresh snowdrift patches and wet snow

Avalanche danger is generally low. Nonetheless, fresh and easily recognized snowdrift accumulations exist on steep slopes in extended eastern aspects, behind discontinuities and in gullies which can trigger small slab avalanches. Due to poor visibility and covering by some fresh snow, potential danger zones are difficult to recognize, In addition, small wet-snow avalanches can trigger naturally on very steep rocky slopes, the likelihood increasing as the day unfolds. On steep grass-covered slopes, isolated glide-snow avalanches are possible, avoid zones below glide cracks.

Precipitation since Friday evening has brought up to 15 cm of fresh snow, often riddled by graupel. Due to gusty and strong NW winds fresh snowdrift accumulations were generated. The old snowpack is compact, moist up to intermediate altitudes (rainfall, solar radiation) and is destabilizing further. The moist base tends towards gliding over smooth ground.

The NW airstream will create overcast skies on Sunday night. On Monday this will continue, many peaks veiled in fog, poor visibility, rain/snow showers in the afternoon, most in the NW barrier cloud regions, only minor amounts expected, snowfall level at 1300 in the northeast, 1800 m in the southwest. The N/NW winds will be moderate. At 2000 m in th east: -2 degrees; in the southwest +1 degree.

Rain and snow showers on Monday night will slacken off, clouds will gradually disperse on Tuesday afternoon from the northeast. Avalanche danger levels are not expected to change significantly.