Hochschwab Mountains

Snowdrifts + persistent weak layer

Snowdrifts + persistent weak layer

New snow (appx. 10cm) and stormy winds led to fresh and instable snowdrifts accumulating on southern and eastern slopes on Monday. Avalanche prone locations which can often be triggered as slabs by low additional loading are located on leeward slopes behind protruberances, on steep slopes and at entries into gullies and bowls. Triggered avalanches are usually Size 2. On high altitude slopes in northern aspects and shady terrain (e.g. gullies) slabs can be triggered due to the persistent weak layer.

At high altitudes at hard / icy surface has formed atop which the fresh snowdrifts are being deposited. Beneath it the snowpack fundament is compact, has few weak layers which are relevant. Above the treeline on shady slopes the process of expansive metamorphosis is continuing, the snowpack evidences increasingly frequently faceted crystals, is forfeiting its firmness and losing its hold.

Wednesday will bring cloudless skies to most mountain regions. Winds from the northwest will intensify. From the west the temperatures will rise somewhat. At 2000 m: in Totes Gebirge at midday -4 degrees, on the Hohen Veitsch -8 degrees. On Thursday, extensive sunshine during the morning in some regions. Cloud cover will increase hour by hour, in the afternoon there will be little sunshine left. Winds will intensify.

Avalanche danger will decrease somewhat.