Hochschwab Mountains

Little snow on the ground, low danger.

Little snow on the ground, low danger.

Avalanche danger is LOW. In extremely steep terrain where there is sufficient snow, isolated small wet slides and (on steep grassy slopes) glide-snow avalanches can be triggered. Zones below glide cracks should be avoided. Below 2000 m small naturally glide-snow avalanches are possible on steep grassy slopes in all aspects. Glide cracks are indicators of imminent danger, these zones should be avoided.

In general the snow depths are low, below 1700 m the snowpack is not cohesive. Up to 2000 m the snowpack has been moistened at least. Only at high altitudes is there a cohesive snowpack which is stable. Above 2000 m weak layers of faceted crystals are evident on shady slopes, these weaken the fundament. Below 2000 m the snowpack is beginning to glide away.

On Boxing Day, friendly and fine weather will continue, mild at +4 degrees at 2000 m. In the evening a cold front will reach us from NW, a bit of fresh snow and strong NW winds possible. On Tuesday the snowfall will slacken off swiftly, it will become largely sunny. Temperatures will remain wintery: -5 degrees at 2000 m.

In the northern barrier cloud regions, fresh snow and wind will generate new drifts, a slight rise in avalanche danger levels is the result at high altitudes.