Hochschwab Mountains

Snowdrift problem, wet-snow problem – Moderate danger at high altitudes

Snowdrift problem, wet-snow problem – Moderate danger at high altitudes

Avalanche danger above the treeline is moderate, danger below that altitude is low. In NW and SE facing gullies and bowls the fresh snowdrifts can trigger by minimum additional loading, depending on amount of snow (however, the risks of falling outweigh those of being buried in snow). Also, on very steep slopes, small loose-snow avalanches can trigger naturally. The possibility of glide-snow avalanches on steep slopes on smooth ground still prevails. Poor visibility make assessing avalanche risks on-site more difficult.

Atop a mostly compact snowpack surface, 10-20 cm of fresh snow is expected to fall on Tuesday evening, more from place to place. Depending on wind impact, small fresh bonded snowdrift patches will be generated, their trigger-sensitivity dependent on the altitude. As a result of diffuse radiation and daytime warming, as well as rain seepage, the snow will become instable and can trigger naturally. The old snowpack is mostly compact and isotherm up to high altitudes.

Wednesday will be instable, gray skies in the Northern Alps and Niedere Tauern, intermittent rainfall or snowfall. Further south, intermittently sunny, some clouds and convective cloud build-up, as well as showers, also possible in the southern massifs. A brisk to strong NW wind will be blowing, the snowfall level will fluctuate around 1400 m. At 2000 m: -3 degrees; at 1500 m: 0 to +4 degrees. On Thursday, some sunshine after clouds disperse. In the afternoon, convective cloud build-up will increase. Temperatures will be milder.

On Thursday, snowdrift problem will swiftly recede, wet-snow problem will come to the forefront. As a result of solar radiation, the potential of loose-snow avalanches will increase on steep slopes.