Goldberg Group Central

Bonded fresh snow and drifts lie atop trigger-sensitive weak layers

Bonded fresh snow and drifts lie atop trigger-sensitive weak layers

Avalanche danger above the timberline is CONSIDERABLE, below that altitude danger is MODERATE. Avalanches can in some places be triggered easily in the weak old snow and grow to medium size. In addition, fractures inside the masses of fresh snow and drifts can trigger slab avalanches in more deeply embedded layers inside the snowpack. Danger zones cannot be recognized with the naked eye. They increase in size and spread with ascending altitude and occur in all aspects. Remote triggerings continue to be possible in isolated cases. Glide cracks and whump noises are signals of possible imminent danger. Below about 2400 m particularly on south-facing slopes, naturally triggered avalanches of medium size are possible on steep grass-covered slopes. In addition, due to daytime warming and some solar radiation, naturally triggered loose-snow avalanches can be expected on steep sunny slopes.

Since Sunday evening there has been 30-60 cm of fresh snow registered in two phases. The W/NW winds were strong to stormy. On shady slopees at high altitudes and in high alpine regions above 2600 m there are faceted crystal layers more deeply embedded. Fresh snow and fresh drifts blanked the weak old snowpack. In addition, fresh snow and fresh drifts are often poorly bonded with each other.

On Wednesday, heavy intermediate-altitude cloud cover. Light rainfall/snow showers in the Northern Alps during the morning. The snowfall level will ascend from 600 m in early morning to 1500 m at midday. Dry weather is expected as of midday. At 2000 m in the afternoon: 0 degrees; at 3000 m: -6 degrees.

On Wednesday night the next front will move in from the northwest. The cold front will bring receding temperatures and about 5-15 cm of fresh snow. Avalanche danger levels are not expected to change significantly. Caution: weak layers in the old snow.