Kreuzeck Group

Caution: weak layers in old snowpack

Caution: weak layers in old snowpack

Avalanches can be triggered in the weak layers by one sole skier in some places, and grow to medium size. Danger zones occur mostly in transitions from shallow to deeper snow, e.g. at entry points into gullies and bowls, and on very steep shady slopes. Danger zones and likelihood of triggering tend to increase with ascending altitude. Isolated whumpf noises can indicate imminent danger. On extremely steep sunny slopes, small wet-slides are possible as a result of the daytime warming and solar radiation.

The snowpack is highly diverse over small areas. Shady slopes above 1900m: inside the snowpack are faceted expansively metamorphosed weak layers. Very steep sunny slopes below 2600m: due to higher temperatures and solar radiation, a crust forms on the surface. Weather conditions are moistening the snowpack.

On Thursday, the high-pressure front conditions will continue, mostly sunshine will prevail. In the afternoon, a few clouds in the Hohe Tauern. In evening and during the nighttime hours, clouds will become denser. Easterly winds will be blowing at light to moderate velocity (35 km/hr). At 1000m: 0 degrees in later afternoon; at 2000m: -4 degrees; at 3000m: -6 degrees. Source: GeoSphere Austria

Weak layers in the old snowpack demand caution