Goldberg Group Central

Heavy snowfall plus wind impact

Heavy snowfall plus wind impact

Avalanche danger above 2200 m is CONSIDERABLE, below that altitude danger is moderate. The fresh snowdrifts can in many places on NW/N/E/S facing slopes be triggered as medium-sized avalanches even by 1 person. Danger zones swiftly increase with ascending altitude both in frequency and in size, occur mostly behind discontinuties (also distant from ridges) and in steep gullies and bowls. Poor visibility makes it more difficult to assess the risks. In addition, the danger of naturally triggered glide-snow avalanches persists below 2600 m. Isolated large-sized avalanches are possible in higher-altitude starting zones.

Lots of snowfall at variable temperatures, often accompanied by stormy W/NW winds, bonding of latest snow (30-50 cm, also 70 cm in the Tauern) is good but deteriorates with ascending altitude. Weak layer for a slab: a soft layer of faceted crystals beneath a near-surface crust in the old snow (rain-ice crust or wind crust or melt-freeze crust) but fractures inside the freshly generated drifts are also possible. Lower temperatures are helping the moist snowpack to regain its firmness. Reinforced gliding is being observed on steep grass-covered slopes.

Overnight, widespread snowfall (5-10 cm), the snowfall level ascending from 1000 to 1300 m. At high altitudes, esp. on Main Tauern Ridge, stormy-strength NW winds. On Friday, heavy cloud, reduced visibility, few bright intervals. Mostly dry. Moderate westerly winds. At 1500 m: 0 to 3 degrees; at 2000 m: -1 degree, at 3000 m: -6 degrees.

On Saturday, naturally triggered avalanches (loose snow) on sun-drenched steep slopes. Persistent snowdrift problem in high-alpine areas.