Hochschwab Mountains

Caution to old snowdrift in high altitudes! Moderate avalanche danger but caution when choosing a route within the avalanche zones!

Caution to old snowdrift in high altitudes! Moderate avalanche danger but caution when choosing a route within the avalanche zones!

Moderate avalanche danger above 1.800 m, below that: low avalanche danger. Danger is caused by older driftsnow deposits which are located on a weak layers in the old snow in high altitudes and shady slopes. Especially the expositios northeast and east-occasionally south- close to the Alpenhauptkamm behind ridgelines and the beginnings of gullies and bowls are affected. Small to medium slab avalanches can be triggered with small additional loads.

In the past few days the snow was transported firstly to the eastern sector then to the southern and western sectors. Exposed areas are blown-off and icy. Due to wind transfer, there is a bit more snow in gullies and bowls. The snow base doesn’t have significant weak layers. In shady high slopes there are faceted snow layers in the old snow which form weak layers. Despite the mild temperatures and sun radiation the snowcover stays dry in high altitudes due to low humidity which prevents melting.

Clear, sunny mountain weather on Friday with excellent visibility. Weak to moderate easterly winds. Temperatures get a bit milder with 4 degrees on 2.000 m.

Decreasing avalanche danger in the next few days due to weather stability.