Goldberg Group Central

Unfavorable avalanche situation in outlying terrain

Unfavorable avalanche situation in outlying terrain

Avalanche danger above 2000m is HIGH. In many danger zones avalanches can be triggered by minimum additional loading and grow to medium size, also isolated naturally triggered avalanches from ridgeline snowdrifts are possible. Near-surface slab avalanches in fresh snow and drifts can fracture down to deeper layers above 2200m on W/N/E-facing slopes and grow to large size. Due to solar radiation in afternoon hours, naturally triggered loose-snow avalanches can be expected. Avalanches released at higher altitudes can fracture down to deeper layers and then plummet down to green zones. Especially above the timberline, small-to-medium glide-snow avalanches can trigger naturally in very steep grass-covered terrain.

More fresh fallen snow than expected: since Friday evening 50-80cm of fresh snow has been registered at high altitudes. Northerly winds were blowing at strong velocity. Inside the fresh snow and drifts, melt-freeze crusts lie embedded. Below 2000m the old snow is moist.

On Sunday rainfall and snowfall in the morning hours amidst dense clouds. At midday, clouds will disperse and some sunshine is expected. In evening, clouds will move in widespread from the NW and on Sunday night, rain and snow will fall. Very windy, the W/NW winds will intensify during the course f the day and reach 70 km/hr. At 2000m: -2 degrees, at 3000m: -7 degrees C. On Sunday night the snowfall level will drop to below 1000m and temperatures will fall.

Avalanche danger expected to remain HIGH