Hochschwab Mountains

Snowdrift accumulations on north-facing slopes. Some fresh snow.

Snowdrift accumulations on north-facing slopes. Some fresh snow.

Avalanche danger above the treeline is moderate. Danger zones occur mostly on N-facing slopes, where older drifts can be triggered by minimum additional loading. Drifts should not be underestimated. Due to higher temperatures, glide-snow avalanches can trigger at intermediate altitudes.

Older snowdrifts lie deposited on shady slopes atop a layer of surface hoar. Near ridglines a melt-freeze crust has formed. The fundament near ground level is riddled with expansively metamorphosed (faceted) crystals and is weakened. The forecast fresh snow (5 cm) is not relevant to avalanche danger but it will blanket the currently easily recognized signs of wind.

Instable weather on Sunday, the summits often in fog, north of the Main Alpine Ridge minor snowfall. Further south it will remain largely dry, but brisk to strong NW winds will be blowing. At 2000 m: -5 degrees; NW winds at 30-70 km/hr. Increasing high-pressure front conditions on Monday: excellent weather. Sunshine will predominate, skies will often be cloudless. Winds at light to moderate strength. At 2000 m: +2 degrees.

Wet loose-snow avalanches and glide-snow avalanches can trigger naturally on Monday.