Hochschwab Mountains

Beware of fresh wind slab

Beware of fresh wind slab

There is a moderate avalanche risk above 1900 metres. With new fallen snow and stormy north-westerly winds, prone-to-triggering snowdrift accumulations have formed. Especially behind broad ridges and ridgelines as well as in gullies and bowls, these can be triggered by individuals, usually as small slab avalanches. The avalanche prone locations are easily recognisable if visibility is good. Often, some of the snow has covered over the empty areas, so beware of the risk of injury.

Up to 15 cm of new fallen snow fell on a crust can form on an old snowpack in some places with strong winds. In many places, fresh snowdrift accumulations cover soft layers in the transition to the old snow surface. The connection between wind slab and persistent weak layer is poor. On the shady slopes, weak layers of faceted crystals can be found in the old snow foundation. The composition and thickness of the snow cover, snowpack varies greatly in a small area. There is often insufficient old snowpack.

On the last day of the year, dense clouds will continue to accumulate in the north for some time. A few snowflakes will fall here and there, but large amounts are not expected. There may be some sunny spells until around midday before the clouds increase again from the north. The north-westerly wind will remain brisk, exposed and stormy towards the east with gusts of around 100 km/h. It will continue to be freezing cold with temperatures between -16 and -10 degrees at 2000 metres and between -7 and -12 degrees at 1500 metres.

On the evening of the 31st and on New Year's Eve, some new fallen snow falls in the congested areas. On New Year's Day, the weather calms down slightly and it becomes a little milder in all areas. Fresh wind slab remains the main problem.