Hochschwab Mountains

Wind-loaded north-facing slopes

Wind-loaded north-facing slopes

Avalanche danger above the treeline is moderate. Danger zones are located in ridgeline terrain and behind abrupt discontinuities in the terrain. Particular caution is urged on high altitude north-facing slopes. Fresh snowdrifts have been deposited on top of an unfavourable old snowpack surface (persistent weak layer). The drifts should not be underestimated at high altitudes! A slab release is possible even with minimum additional loading. As the wind changes direction from south to northwest, also east-facing slopes will be filled with snowdrift accumulations. Caution urged towards fresh cornices, they are easily triggered.

There was 5-10 cm of fresh snow has blanketed the surface hoar and the weak layers of the old snowpack surface. In the fundament there is a loose, weak layer. Analysis has confirmed a sequence of melt-freeze crusts and faceted crystal layers. On sunny slopes the snowpack is hardened and icy. All in all, extremely unfavourable snowpack layering.

On Tuesday night a bit of rainfall/snowfall is anticipated, in the Niedere Tauern and Hochschwab regions a few centimetres of fresh snow is expected. Dachstein and Totes Gebirge will remain without fresh snow. The snowfall level lies at valley floor. Wednesday: the snowfall will taper off in the morning. In the afternoon clouds will disperse and some sunshine is expected. Westerly winds will reach speeds of 30-50 km/hr. At 2000 m: -8 degrees.

It will remain cold, avalanche danger levels are not expected to change.