Hochschwab Mountains

Moderate danger due to glide-snow, wet-snow avalanches

Moderate danger due to glide-snow, wet-snow avalanches

Avalanche danger is moderate at all altitudes due to glide-snow and wet-snow avalanche problem. In all aspects on steep grass-covered slopes and in forest clearances, glide-snow and wet-snow avalanches can be expected, esp. in afternoon on south-facing slopes, which can in isolated cases place exposed transportation routes at risk. Open glide cracks are indicators of danger, zones near them should be avoided.

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 is often riddled with water seepage channels, at high altitudes frozen and capable of bearing loads but on sunny slopes softening during daytime hours.

On Thursday, lots of sunshine, nearly cloudless skies. In the afternoon some high altitude clouds will move in from the west. Winds will be light to moderate from westerly directions. At 2000 m: +3 degrees, much too warm for this juncture of the season.

Also on Friday, sunny and mild. Danger of glide-snow and wet-snow avalanches will persist, but slacken off in intensity.