Fischbach Alps East, Wechsel

Generally low avalanche danger, but isolated snowdrift patches require caution

On the southern flank of the Alps it will be mostly sunny. From Hochschwab to Wechsel, icy NW winds will be stormy, further to the west blowing at brisk to strong velocity. Bitter cold, though temperatures will rise slightly during the course of the day.

Rising temperatures. Skies initially overcast, clouds later dispersing through brisk westerly winds, extended sunshine will follow. At 2000 m: between 0 degrees on Zirbitzkogel and +3 degrees on Hochschwab.

Generally low avalanche danger, but isolated snowdrift patches require caution

Avalanche danger is generally low. On E/S facing slopes near ridges and behind discontinuities in the terrain, thin snowdrift patches have formed which can be triggered as slab avalanches even by 1 person.The dangers of falling outweigh those of being buried in snow masses.

Snowdrift accumulations are relatively small, but poorly bonded esp. on E/S facing slopes. Faceted layers and surface hoar clinging to a melt-freeze crust are potential weak layers. The old snowpack beneath them is compact, without marked weak layers. The snowpack surface is highly diverse, with alternating wind crusts, eroded crusts and hardened, icy surfaces.