Hochschwab Mountains

Snowdrifts in eastern aspects

Snowdrifts in eastern aspects

Avalanche danger in the northern barrier cloud regions and Niedere Tauern are considerable above the treeline. Storm winds have transported the snow, deposited large-sized snowdrift accumulations, also in forest lanes and sparsely wooded zones, where slabs can be triggered. At high altitudes the avalanche prone locations occur distant from ridgelines on east-facing slopes. Backcountry skiers/boarders can trigger a slab even by minimum additional loading. Naturally triggered avalanches and slabs continue to be possible at high altitudes. At low altitudes, wet naturally triggered slides cannot be ruled out.

Winds over the last 2 days have left their tracks behind. At high altitudes, the slopes are windblown and the snowpack is hard and icy. The immense drifts lie distant from ridgelines near the timberline. Gullies and bowls in E/S aspects have become wind-loaded. Inside the snowdrifts themselves are soft layers which could constitute weak layers. At intermediate altitudes the snowpack was able to settle. At low altitudes the snow has become moist or wet.

Mostly sunny and mild mountain weather on Friday. Possibly low lying clouds north of the Hochschwab at the start of the day. Winds will be generally moderate to brisk from the west. Only in the evening will clouds from the northwest become denser. At 2000 m at midday: -2 degrees in the north and +2 degrees in the Koralpe. Light westerly winds, brisker in the northern border areas at high altitude.

After a cold front passes through, clouds will disperse in the early morning, sunshine will follow on its heels. Temperatures will drop noticeably, winds will be brisk, stormy on the northern rim of the Alps. Avalanche danger levels will continue to decrease.