Hochschwab Mountains

Snowdrifts on high altitude shady slopes. Glide-snow activity at low altitudes.

Snowdrifts on high altitude shady slopes. Glide-snow activity at low altitudes.

Moderate danger prevails at high altitudes, due to snowdrift accumulations. On shady slopes and entries to steep gullies and bowls, slab avalanches can be triggered by large additional loading, in isolated cases also by minimum additional loading. Below 1800 m the drifts are no longer relevant to avalanches, but occasional glide-snow avalanches trigger naturally which can place exposed transportation routes at risk.

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.

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.