Hochschwab Mountains

Moderate avalanche danger above 1800 m - Persistent weak layer

Moderate avalanche danger above 1800 m - Persistent weak layer

Above 1800 m, moderate danger prevails, below that altitude danger is low. Main problem: potential weak layers inside the old snowpack. Danger zones are located particularly on N/E facing slopes at entries to gullies and bowls and in transitions from shallow to deep snow. A slab on shady slopes can fracture down to more deeply embedded layers inside the snowpack and attain large size. Caution urged especially on south-facing slopes where naturally triggered loose-snow or glide-snow avalanches can release during the course of the day.

Fresh snowdrifts can settle due to mild temperatures and the old snow can bond better. But, on the other hand, expansive metamorphosis continues inside the snowpack, thus weakening further those deeply embedded layers. On south-facing slopes the fresh snow is already moist and is forfeiting its firmness.

On Friday, heavy cloud cover will dominate, the northern peaks will disappear in clouds over the course of the day. In the western mountain massifs, snow showers are possible and the NW winds will intensify. At midday at 2000 m: -1 degree, dropping further down by evening.

On Saturday, residual clouds will disperse in the Northern Alps, sunny weather will reign. In the afternoon, clouds will move in from the west, winds will shift to southwesterly. At 2000 m: -4 rising to 0 degrees. Avalanche danger levels are not expected to change significantly.