Hochschwab Mountains

Moderate danger due to naturally triggered glide-snow avalanches

Moderate danger due to naturally triggered glide-snow avalanches

Avalanche danger is moderate at all altitudes due to naturally triggered glide-snow avalanches. In all aspects on steep grass-covered slopes and in forest clearances, glide-snow and wet-snow avalanches can be expected, esp. in afternoon on south-facing slopes, which can in isolated cases place exposed transportation routes at risk. Open glide cracks are indicators of danger, zones near them should be circumvented.

Very irregular snow distribution. Whereas NW-facing slopes and exposed zones are often bare of snow, grass-covered wind-loaded slopes and gullies are filled to the brim. The snowpack is compact, without marked weak layers. Below 2000 m the snowpack is nearly isotherm, the ground is often wet. The snowpack is gliding downhill over smooth ground. The snowpack surface is often riddled with water seepage channels (highly unpleasant for skiers), at high altitudes frozen and capable of bearing loads but on sunny slopes softening during daytime hours.

Friday will bring slightly lower temperatures, but still much too mild for this juncture of the season, along with quite mountain weather conditions. Initially in northern regions, heavy cloud and brisk westerly winds, but sunshine and quite conditions will soon prevail. In aftertnoon, thin clouds will pass through. Winds wil be light to moderate from northwest. At 2000 m: +2 degrees, dropping slightly in evening.

On Saturday, the gradual trend towards dropping temperatures will continue. It will remain largely sunny, variably cloudy. On the northern rim of the Alps, brisk westerly winds, southwards therefrom more tranquil conditions are expected. The gliding snow problem will persist, but slacken off in intensity.