Goldberg Group Central

Moderate snowdrift accumulation problem, persistent weak layer at high altitudes

Moderate snowdrift accumulation problem, persistent weak layer at high altitudes

Avalanche danger above 2600m is MODERATE, below that altitude danger is LOW. Main danger: weak layers in upper part of snowpack. Danger zones occur seldom but are not visible to the naked eye. Triggering a slab avalanche in these weak layers is possible esp. on very steep (>35°) slopes. Avalanches can be unleashed even by the weight of one person and grow to dangerously large size. Fresh snowdrift accumulations have been generated by westerly winds, deposited on N/E facing slopes near ridgeline, in summit zones above 2400 m, often prone to triggering. Danger zones increse with ascending altitude, are difficult to spot. Small snowdrift accumulations in steep terrain should be circumvented, esp. above 35° and in fall-endangered places. As the result of some rainfall (esp. in Northern Alps) small set loose-snow avalanches are possible on very steep (>40°) slopes. Small loose-snow slides are possible on steep rocky slopes in the afternoon.

Above 2600 m there are expansively metamorphosed (faceted) layers bordering on melt-freeze crusts in the upper part of the snowpack. Weak layers more deeply embedded inside the snowpack are unlikely to trigger. On Tuesday at high and high-alpine altitudes, 5-10 cm of fresh snow fell. Moderate to strong westerly winds transported the fresh snow, deposited it mostly on shady slopes, where there are also weakened layers embedded inside the snowpack. On Wednesday, only a small amount of precipitation, rainfall below 2000 m.

On Wednesday, severely reduced visibility due to dense clouds. Light to moderate precipitation, esp. in the Northern Alps. In the eastern Tauern and Nockberge, dry. Snowfall level will ascend to nearly 2000 m. In the afternoon, mostly dry, brisk southerly foehn wind will disperse some clouds. At 2000 m: 0 degrees; at 3000 m: -5 degrees.

Thursday: a cold front will bring lower temperatures, lots of fresh snowfall plus wind. Avalanche danger levels will increase significantly.