Mürzsteg Alps

On shady high-altitude slopes the snowdrift problem is diminishing. Isolated glide-snow avalanches at low altitudes.

On Wednesday morning skies will be predominantly overcast, with reduced visibility at summit level. Above 1000 m, minor snowfall is possible. As of midday, clouds will disperse, but strong winds will continue to blow (up to 60 km/hr in the morning, slackening off in the afternoon). At high altitude, temperatures will drop. At 2000 m: -3 degrees.

Avalanche danger will incrementally recede.

On shady high-altitude slopes the snowdrift problem is diminishing. Isolated glide-snow avalanches at low altitudes.

Moderate danger prevails at high altitudes, due to snowdrift accumulations. Avalanche prone locations are found exclusively on shady slopes above 1800 m. In some entries to extremely steep gullies and bowls, large additional loading can trigger a slab avalanche from the drifted masses. At lower altitudfes on steep grass-covered slopes, isolated glide-snow avalanches trigger naturally.

Stormy winds in the last few days have blown summits and ridges bare of snow, generated drifts on leeward slopes. On shady slopes the drifts are inadequately bonded with the snow base. Below about 1800 m the higher temperatures have stabilized the snowpack. Due to rainfall and mild temperatures, and the subsequent drop in tempertures, the snowpack surface has developed a melt-freeze crust. At low altitudes the snow is thoroughly wet. On steep grass-covered slopes a gliding film has formed.