Hochschwab Mountains

Snowdrifts + persistent weak layer

Snowdrifts + persistent weak layer

Avalanche prone locations where large additional loading can trigger a slab are located on steep wind-loaded slopes esp. in NW/SE ridgeline slopes above 1800 m. The easily recognized snowpack patches are prone to triggering and can force a fall. Aside from that there are few avalanche prone locations where large additional loading can trigger a slab release in the old snow, most likely on extremely steep and shallow-snow slopes above about 1900 m in E/N aspects. Shallow-snow and extremely steep slopes, especially near ridgelines, should be assessed critically or better still, circumvented.

At high altitudes the old snowpack surface is hardened or iced over. On top of it there is a bit of new snow which fell on Saturday night amid light wind. On leeward slopes there are older drifts, most of them shallow. Beneath them the snowpack fundament is compact, without pronounced weak layers. Exception: shady high-altitudes slopes where the process of expansive metamorphism proceeds apace above the treeline, the snowpack is thus forfeiting its firmness. In case of sunshine the surface at high altitudes can turn to firn; at low altitudes it will become moist.

On Monday in the Eastern Alps, weak high-pressure front conditions will come to the fore. In the Niedere Tauern clouds will disperse in the morning and it will turn sunny. From Hochschwab eastwards, low lying clouds will persist all day long. Temperatures at midday in the western regions at 2000 m: 0 degrees; at 1500 m: +2 degrees; in the eastern regions: -2 to +2 degrees. Winds will mostly be light from S/SW directions. On Tuesday, widespread clouds will pass through, but sunshine will also be present. The light-to-moderate winds will shift from southwesterly to northwesterly during the afternoon. Temperatures will rise slightly. Some new snow is approaching along the Tauern above 1000 m.

No significant change in avalanche danger is expected.