Hochschwab Mountains

Fresh drifts. Considerable danger.

Fresh drifts. Considerable danger.

Avalanche danger in Hochschwab region to Mürzsteger Alps is considerable above the treeline. Most danger zones lie in N/E/S aspects, where even minimum additional loading can trigger a slab. In steep rough and rocky terrain, naturally triggered loose-snow avalanches are expected. Poor visibility and storm make assessment difficult on-site.

In the Niedere Tauern the snow amounts are lesser: 20-30 cm. New snow and drifts cover surface hoar or soft layers. Another potential weak layer is found inside the drifts themselves. The old snowpack is riddled with faceted crystals in places, furthering weakening it.

Between Hochschwab region and Mürzsteger Alps it will snow all day long. On Saturday: 30-40 cm expected. A strong NW wind is blowing, gusts up to 100 km/hr. In the southern Niedere Tauern, the northerly foehn can disperse the clouds, sunshine is possible. At 2000 m: -7 degrees.

In northern barrier cloud regions the snowfall will continue, but slacken off. Avalanche danger levels will persist.