Hochschwab Mountains

Heed snowdrift problem + wet-snow problem: considerable avalanche danger

Heed snowdrift problem + wet-snow problem: considerable avalanche danger

Avalanche danger has risen to considerable above the treeline, below that altitude danger is moderate. Fresh snow and drifts can be triggered by one sole skier, requiring special caution on E/S facing slopes. Frequency of danger zones increases with ascending altitude, mostly near ridgelines and behind abrupt drops in the terrain, in wind-loaded gullies and bowls. On very steep slopes, naturally trigger slab and loose-snow avalanches are possible. With the coming warming, danger of wet-snow avalanches will rise up to higher altitudes. In zones where snowfall has been heavy on steep grass-covered slopes, naturally triggered glide-snow slides can be expected. Cornices are instable. Visibility is reduced, making spotting the dangers on-site difficult.

Since the start of this bout of precipitation there has been 100 cm of fresh snow registered in the mountains, often stormy NW winds transported it, depositing new drifts stop unbonded snow where they are prone to triggering. In addition, bonding is poor, often a trigger-sensitive sequence of crusts and faceted layers. As temperatures rise the snowpack will become moist and heavy, lose its firmness. At intermediate and low altitudes the snow fell on bare ground. Steep grassy slopes are enhanced terrain for gliding snow masses.

Low-pressure front conditions on Sunday, esp. the peaks in the northern massifs will be shrouded in fog. Intermittent snowfall in the morning hours, snowfall level ascending during the day from 800 to 1200 m in north and east, from 1000 to 1500 in the south. Possible bright intervals in Gurktal and Seetal Alps. Winds moderate from the north, gustier at summit level. At 2000 m north of the Main Alpine Ridge: -4 degrees at midday; at 1500 m: 0 degrees. In the south, milder: -1 degree at 2000 m, +3 degrees at 1500 m.

On Monday, increased bright intervals in the south. In the north, mostly gray skies, NW winds will intensify. The snowpack will be able to settle further, diffuse radiation and higher temperatures will lead to increasing wet-snow avalanches.