Hochschwab Mountains

Fresh snowdrifts at high altitudes, some small wet-snow avalanches on steep low-altitude slopes

Fresh snowdrifts at high altitudes, some small wet-snow avalanches on steep low-altitude slopes

As the precipitation intensifies, avalanches danger will also: rising to Danger Level 3 (considerable). Main problems: lots of new snow and snowdrifts which, especially on shady slopes, are being deposited atop a weak snowpack fundament. And: wet-snow avalanches at low altitudes. In addition, poor visibility.

The forecast precipitation will initially be rainfall up to high altitudes (or moist snowfall), to begin with bonding well with the melt-freeze encrusted or moist old snowpack. But stormy winds will generate fresh snowdrifts and soft intermediate layers can constitute a potential weak spot inviting avalanches. An area-wide weak layer is evident on high altitude shady slopes where in steep terrain naturally triggered avalanaches can occur, releasing loose-snow avalanches of medium size.

The weather is undergoing a major change. A perturbance will pass through the Eastern Alps tonight. On Wednesday along the Northern Alps and Niedere Tauern there will be persistent snowfall, the snow will be transported b stormy W/NW winds. Most of the snow (about 40 cm) will fall between Dachstein and Totes Gebirge, snowfall level at 1100 m. In the afternoon the precipitation will ease gradually. Temperatures at midday: -3 at 2000 m; -1 at 1500 m.

On Wednesday night a warm front will bring further precipitation. Intensive rainfall is expected up to high altitudes, in turn raising the activity of wet-snow and glide-snow avalanches.