Goldberg Group Central

Increased trigger-sensitivity of snowdrifts, esp. in high alpine regions

Increased trigger-sensitivity of snowdrifts, esp. in high alpine regions

Danger of avalanches above about 2300 m is CONSIDERABLE, below that altitude to the treeline MODERATE. On very steep slopes below 2400 m, naturally triggered glide-snow avalanches are possible. Above the timberline slab avalanches can trigger. Avalanche prone locations focus on gullies in all aspects and wind-loaded steep slope and fresh snowdrifts in E/S aspects. Triggering a small-to-medium sized slab avalanche is possible there even by minimum additional loading. At high altitudes, slab avalanches can in isolated cases grow to large size.

Warmth, rainfall and subsequent nocturnal cooling have helped the snowpack to regain firmness at high altitudes. The moistened snowpack has a melt-freeze crust on the surface. Drizzle up to 2700 m on Monday has left a thin ice crust behind. The snowpack is gliding over smooth, grass-covered slopes below 2400 m. Above the timberline there are older drifts deposited in gullies and bowls which are blanketed by snow, in high alpine regions shallow drifts generated by northerly winds. In higher, wind-protected zones the loose snow can become a weak layer for the slightly-bonded new snow which is deposited on top of it. In high alpine regions, particularly on shady slopes above 2200 m, weak, soft layers of faceted crystals are evident in the snowpack fundament.

On Wednesday, low lying cloud and fog will initially limit visibility. From Oberpinzgau the visibility will improve towards midday, a bit of sunshine is expected. Winds will be blowing at 30-40 km/hr from the north. At high altitudes: -3 degrees. On Thursday, visibility above the valley fog will initially be good In the afternoon, clouds will move in from the north, limiting visibility in the Tauern. Winds will be brisk to strong from the north. Temperature: -3 degrees.

Proneness of older snowdrifts triggering will incrementally recede.