Hochschwab Mountains

Low avalanche danger. Naturally triggered loose-snow avalanches require alertness. Isolated snowdrifts only at high altitudes.

Low avalanche danger. Naturally triggered loose-snow avalanches require alertness. Isolated snowdrifts only at high altitudes.

Avalanche danger is low. Main danger: wet loose-snow avalanches in steep rocky terrain at high altitude in N/E aspects in ridgeline terrain and gullies where fresh shallow snowdrifts have been generated and danger of falls outweighs that of being buried in snow. On steep slopes where the ground is smooth, isolated glide-snow avalanches are possible. Risks of falling outweigh those of being buried in snow.

Atop a mostly compact snowpack surface, up to 20 cm of fresh snow was registered. Depending on wind impact, small fresh bonded snowdrift patches were generated. Bonding of the fresh snow to the old snowpack is generally good, in isolated cases prone to triggering at high altitudes. As a result of solar radiation and daytime warming, the snow will become instable and can trigger naturally. The old snowpack is mostly compact and isotherm up to high altitudes. On Friday the snowpack surface will be able to consolidate somewhat following a night of clear skies, but will soften swiftly in the sunshine.

On Thursday, high-pressure front conditions. Residual clouds and fog will slowly disperse, make room for the sun, later on some convective cloud build-up. Generally dry, only local showers in the Northern Alps. The northerly winds will be brisk to strong. At 2000 m: around 0 degrees at midday; at 1500 m: +5 degrees. Following a night of clear skies, sunny weather on Friday in the mountains. As of midday, convective cloud build-up particularly in the eastern regions, but it will remain dry. Winds will be light from the northeast. Temperatures climbing further. At 2000 m: +2 to +4 degrees; at 1500 m: +7 degrees.

On the weekend, weather conditions will be variable. More sunshine on Saturday, light showers cannot be ruled out. Avalanche danger levels are not expected to change significantly.