Hochschwab Mountains

Ridgeline snowdrift patches, naturally triggered glide-snow avalanches in steep terrain

Ridgeline snowdrift patches, naturally triggered glide-snow avalanches in steep terrain

From Hochschwab to Rax, low avalanche danger. On steep slopes in all aspects, naturally triggered glide-snow/wet-snow avalanches can be expected, most releases medium-sized. Open glide cracks are indicators of imminent danger. In addition, at high altitudes in extended east-facing terrain behind discontinuities there are snowdrift accumulations which in places can be triggered by 1 person, releases reaching medium-to-large size.

At high altitudes, ridgeline snowdrift patches have been generated by minor fresh snow and moderate W/NW winds, the drifts have not yet bonded with the snowpack surface. Windblown slopes and crests are often hard or icy, such danger zones are especially risky for falling. At intermediate and lower altitudes the snowpack is very moist-to-wet due to rain impact, can glide over smooth ground.

At the forefront of a low over the Gulf of Biscay, very warm air masses are being brought to the Eastern Alps. Friday will be sunny widespread in Styria, a few clouds will pass through, winds will be light from west to south. Midday temperatures at 2000 m: +7 degrees; at 1500 m: +12 degrees. On Saturday, conditions will turn increasingly variable. Clouds will veil the peaks in fog, some precipitation if expected, snowfall level in the Northern Alps at 2000 m, on the southern flank of the Alps at 2200 m. On Sunday, sunny until afternoon at least.

The snowdrift problem will recede. The gliding snow problem will persist.