Hochschwab Mountains

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

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

Avalanche 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. Cornices are not stable.

The fresh snow has been able to settle. Due to sun, diffuse radiation and higher tempertures the snowpack is moistening, or becoming thoroughly wet, losing its firmness. On steep grassy and forested slopes the snowpack can glide away. Fresh snowdrifts are trigger-sensitive only at high altitude; moreover, there are weak layers inside the snowpack near the border of fresh-to-old snow.

A NE air current is accumulating moist air masses against the Alps, in the south the conditions are better. Gray and foggy skies in the north can cause light snowfall. Further to the south, isolated showers, but mostly dispersed clouds. On the eastern rim of the Alps, brisk-to-stormy NE winds. At 2000 m: 0 degrees; at 1500 m: between +2 and +4 degrees.

On Wednesday the instable weather will persist, gray skies in the north and precipitation especially in the afternoon, the snowfall level will descend somewhat. In the south extended bright intervals. Little change in the avalanche situation.