Hochschwab Mountains

Moderate danger continues due to naturally triggered glide-snow avalanches. Also fresh snowdrifts accumulating.

Moderate danger continues due to naturally triggered glide-snow avalanches. Also fresh snowdrifts accumulating.

Despite lower temperatures, avalanche danger at all altitudes is moderate due to naturally triggered glide-snow avalanches in all aspects (esp. south-facing) on steep grassy slopes and in forest clearances they are possible, sometimes reaching large size and endangering exposed transportation routes. Avoid glide cracks - they are indicators of potential danger. Snowdrift accumulations have been freshly generated. Danger zones occur mostly on steep east-facing slopes. Acute danger of falls on encrusted and icy slopes. Most of the fresh snow is bonding poorly.

Very irregular snow distribution. Whereas NW-facing slopes and exposed zones are often bare of snow, grass-covered wind-loaded slopes and gullies are filled to the brim. The snowpack is compact, without marked weak layers. Below 2000 m the snowpack is nearly isotherm, the ground is often wet. The snowpack is gliding downhill over smooth ground. The snowpack surface below 2200 m is often riddled with water seepage channels (highly unpleasant for skiers), at high altitudes frozen and with 10-15 cm of fresh snow.

On New Year’s Day clouds will slowly disperse and snow showers taper off. Colder than recently. At 2000 m: -5 degrees; at 1500 m. -1 degree. The W/NW winds will often be stormy, esp. in northern Upper Styria. On 2nd January an Atlantic front will bring lots of clouds during the night, esp. to northern Upper Styria. Moderate westerly winds will bring slightly higher temperatures, still just as cold south of the Alps.

Avalanche danger levels are not expected to change significantly.