Hochschwab Mountains

Persistent-weak-layer problem on E/N facing slopes. Mild nocturnal temperatures.

Persistent-weak-layer problem on E/N facing slopes. Mild nocturnal temperatures.

Avalanche danger is subject to a daytime cycle, in the morning low, in the afternoon moderate. Above 2000 m older drifts can be triggered by large additional loading. The few danger zones occur at summit level behind discontinuities and on leeward slopes (also distant from ridges). In addition, isolated gliding snow activity and glide-snow avalanches can’t be excluded. Due to higher temperatures and solar radiation, naturally triggered loose-snow avalanches are possible on extremely steep rough and rocky slopes, esp. south-facing slopes.

Where the snowpack is moist-to-wet, a thin melt-freeze crust forms at night, then swiftly forfeits its firmness during the daytime hours. Old drifts lie deposited atop a hard layer at high altitudes or atop faceted crystals. The fundament is stable. Leeward slopes are currently without snow. Where the snowpack surface is hard and icy, the situation will persist.

Perfect mountain weather on Tuesday. Sunny and mild. Light SW winds. At 2000 m: +4 to +7 degrees.

The airstream will shift to northwesterly, cooler air masses will gradually move in. Heavy clouds will repeatedly appear, sunshine not be unhampered. Cooler. Avalanche danger levels are not expected to change significantly.