Snow report Alpenostrand, 12/30/2018

Snow condition

At least from 1000m upwards, the quantity of snow was already adequate before today's snowfall. Today in Upper Styria (Northern Alps East, i.e. Hochschwab and Mürzsteg Alps) we've had around 20 cm so far (probably a little more in the very north-west of the region). Overall, from around 800 to 900m in the accumulation areas, it looks like deep winter.

Snow quality

It was generally a little too warm, with only a slight temperature gradient. Below 1000m it was slightly above zero. Even above that, the snow is a little on the wet side (i.e. not quite as dusty/fluffy as hoped). Due to strong winds and storms (above the tree line), snow shoots are forming quickly and the quality of the snow is deteriorating accordingly.

Obvious rapid rise due to the storm and the heavy loads. Snow is bound and poorly bonded to the harsh layer. Apart from that, however, no signs such as rumbling noises, fresh cracks etc. (we were out and about in the afternoon, when there was probably only around 10-15 cm of fresh snow).

Overall impression

I'm slowly getting there. The good existing base helps a lot, of course. A little more fresh snow on top (hopefully another 20cm plus) and you won't notice the icy layer (on the sunny side) or the irregularly compacted old snow (on the shaded side) underneath.