Hochschwab Mountains

Large older snowdrift accumulations on east-facing slopes

Large older snowdrift accumulations on east-facing slopes

Avalanche danger above the timberline is MODERATE (Danger Level 3). Avalanche prone locations lie in E/S facing terrain. Snowdrift acumulatiojns ie deposited near ridgleines in steep gullies and bowls as well as behind abrupt discontinuities in the terrain well down below the treeline and in sparsely wooded zones. Slabs can trigger even by the weight of one sole person. Snowdrift accumulations should not be underestimated. On steep rough and rocky slopes, naturally triggered slab avalanches are possible.

On the weekend, stormy NW winds were blowing, massively transporting the fresh snow of recent days. At high altitudes the ddrifts were deposited atop loose layers of fresh fallen snow. Stability of the snowpack is increasing. Weak layers in the fresh drifts and in transitions to the loose fresh snow are prone to triggering. More deeply embedded inside the snowpack are faceted crystals bordering melt-freeze crusts which weaken the entire snowpack. Between Sunday and Monday, surface hoar formed.

Tuesday will bring very sunny and cold weather. Outside of the haze the air is dry and cleare, with outstanding visibility. Winds will be light to moderate from the northeast. At 2000 m: -11 degrees.

Winds will shift to southeasterly. Snowdrifts will accumulate on north-facing slopes.