Hochschwab Mountains

Fresh snowdrift accumulations at high altitudes

Fresh snowdrift accumulations at high altitudes

Avalanche danger above 2000m is moderate. Freshly generated snowdrifts can be triggered as a slab by one sole skier. Particularly alertedness is necessary on E/S facing slopes. For glide-snow avalanches, take heed of the glide cracks: they are red flags. Naturally triggered wet-snow avalanches are still possible.

Due to lower temperatures the snowpack surface can consolidate at high altitudes. Fresh snowdrift accumulations have been deposited but are poorly bonded to the old snowpack. The snowpack is fundamentally moist or wet, depending on altitude, and rotten. At high altitudes, caution is urged towards older and ridgeline snowdrift masses.

Skies on Saturday will be variably cloudy, with reduced visibility, many peaks veiled in cloud. In the Northern Alps, repeated rain showers, above 1300-1500 m snow showers are possible. In the southern massifs there will be more bright intervals during the day, the clouds occasionally disperse, and it will remain largely dry. A strong, cool northerly wind will be clowing, gusts at 60-70 km/hr are possible.

Easter Sunday will be variably cloudy and dry. Intermediate level clouds will often pass through, reduce visibility somewhat. Some peaks will be shrouded in fog, particularly in NW regions. Apart from that, some sunshine is possible. Avalanche danger will gradually recede.