Hochschwab Mountains

Snowdrift problem: fresh snow + strong winds

Snowdrift problem: fresh snow + strong winds

Avalanche danger above the treeline is moderate, at low altitudes danger is low. Danger zones are the snowdrift accumulations in extended eastern aspects where in some places behind discontinuities and on leeward slopes (also distant from ridges) slab avalanches can be triggered by one person. Windblown exposed surfaces are often hard and icy, acute danger of falling. In addition, isolated gliding snow activity and glide-snow avalanches can’t be excluded.

In the last 24 hours there has been 10-15 cm of fresh snow between Gurktal Alps, Eisernerz Alps and Hochschwab region, accompanied by storm-strength NW winds. Above the treeline in extended eastern aspects fresh snowdrifts have been generated, bonding is poor with ascending altitude. In Niedere Tauern, rainfall up to 1800 m, water seepage channels have formed. At low and intermediate altitudes the moistened snow has settled, a melt-freeze crust has formed. The fundament is still stable. On sunny slopes the snowpack is moist down to the ground and glides over smooth terrain.

North of the Main Alpine Ridge, the peaks are often shrouded in fog and heavy cloud, visibility is much reduced. Sleet and snowfall will be unusual, snowfall level around 1300 m. The southern mountain ranges are better off, esp. the Murberg mountains as far as Koralpe will have a very sunny day. Winds will slacken off temporarily. At 2000 m: 0 degrees. In the evening, the next perturbance from the north will arrive. Westerly winds will intensify, some showers can be expected, snowfall level dropping to 1000 m by morning.

On Saturday in the northern Upper Styrian regions, residual clouds and rainfall, clouds soon dispersing and sunshine following with cloudless skies.