Goldberg Group Central

Heed: fresh snowdrifts and persistent weak layer at high altitudes

Heed: fresh snowdrifts and persistent weak layer at high altitudes

Avalanche danger above 2300 m is CONSIDERABLE (3), below that altitude danger is moderate. Freshly generated snowdrift accumulations from fresh snow and brisk NW winds on Tuesday can be triggered in some danger zones by 1 person and grow to medium size. Danger zones increase with ascending altitude, occur esp. behind discontinuities and in gullies and bowls in all aspects. The foehn-induced snow from the weekend can mostly be triggered as a slab avalanche only by large additional loading, esp. on east-facing slopes and wind-loaded gullies. Above 2300 m there are near-surface weak layers in the snowpack, triggerable in some places by 1 person, large-sized releases possible, esp. on very steep shady slopes. There is continuing latent danger of glide-snow avalanches, usually medium-sized, occasionally larger.

Due to southerly foehn wind on the weekend, fresh snowdrift accumulations have been generated, deposited atop a soft surface above 2000 m. Due to stormy NW winds, more fresh snowdrift accumulations will be generated, deposited atop soft layers. The surface shows marked effects of wind impact, is highly irregular. Above 2300 m near-surface layers have faceted crystals near crusts, also near covered surface hoar, which can serve as weak layers, esp. on W/N/E facing slopes. At intermediate altitudes the snowpack has become moist repeated times and is very compact.

Clouds will disperse, visibility in the afternoon will be adequate, isolated minor snow showers are possible. Winds will be light-to-moderate from the northwest (up to 30 km/hr). At 2000 m: -3 degrees; at 3000 m: -9 degrees.

Gradually receding snowdrift problem, but due to warmth loose-snow avalanches (small, nataurally triggered) and glide-snow avalanches can become more frequent.