Goldberg Group Central

Rapid daytime cycle of naturally triggered avalanches in morning

Rapid daytime cycle of naturally triggered avalanches in morning

Avalanche danger increases during the course of the morning from moderate to considerable. Likelihood of wet-snow avalanches triggering swiftly rises, which can often sweep along wet old snow and grow to medium size, esp. on very steep slopes and in rough and rocky terrain on S/E/W facing slopes up to high alpine regions and on north-facing slopes up to 2600 m. On steep wind-protected slopes in extended north-facing terrain, small-to-medium loose-snow avalanches are possible. The danger of glide-snow avalanches is again increasing. They are possible in all aspects and at any time of day or night. In high starting zones which have not yet discharged they can be medium-sized and plummet down to greenlands, esp. from starting zones where there is still sufficient snow on the ground on N/E facing slopes. Avoid zones below glide cracks. Also previously bare slopes can release glide-snow avalanches.

The snowpack on north-facing slopes is up to 2600 m isotherm and moist, on E/W facing slopes up to 3000 m, and on south-facing slopes up to summit levels. On sunny slopes, many areas below 1800 m are again bare of snow. The moist sticky fresh snow has bonded well and forms a thin melt-freeze crust during the night, then quickly softening in the morning. Sun and warmth are making the snowpack ever wetter. In steep grass-covered terrain which has not yet discharged, glide-snow avalanches can release and plummet down to bare slopes.

Scattered thin cirrus clouds during the night, light to moderate NW winds. On Saturday, sunshine, thin cirrus clouds, light-to-moderate W/NW winds. At 2000 m: 7-12 degrees; at 3000 m: 3 degrees. Also on Sunday, following a night of scattered clouds, initially sunny, heavier clouds moving in later with intensifying winds.

Avalanche danger levels are not expected to change significantly. Daytime cycle of avalanche activity. Beware gliding snow.