Goldberg Group Central

Snowdrift problem / Persistent weak layer in places at high altitudes

Snowdrift problem / Persistent weak layer in places at high altitudes

Avalanche danger above 2500m is MODERATE, below that altitude danger is LOW. Main danger: expansively metamorphosed layers in upper part of the snowpack. Danger zones are rare but not visible to the naked eye, they occur on very steep (>35°) slopes above 2500 m, where avalanches can be triggered even by one single person and grow to dangerously large size. Particularly unfavourable: sunny slopes above 2800 m. In addition, fresh snowdrift accumulations are being generated as a result of fresh snow and wind. Danger zones are at high and high-alpine altitudes, near ridgelines in particular, in summit zones and behind abrupt drops in the terrain, they increase in size and frequency during the course of the day. Snowdrift accumulations are generally small-sized but very difficult to spot due to poor visibility. Caution urge in terrain where falls are possible.

By Saturday up to 5 cm of frsh snow is expected; be evening an additional 10 cm. Winds will be moderate to strong from the northwest, esp. on the Main Alpine Ridge and in exposed terrain. Fresh snow and winds will generate new snowdrift accumulations, deposit them atop a loose snowpack where they will be prone to triggering.Above 2500 m there are expansively metamorphosed (faceted) layers bordering the melt-freeze crusts. Reports say they occur especially on SE/S/SW facing slopes above 2800 m. Weak layers more deeply embedded inside the snowpack are unlikely to be triggered by winter sports enthusiasts. Below 1800 m there is little snow on the ground.

On Saturday, reduced visibility, frequent rainfall and snowfall, the snowfall level will lie at 800-1200 m (in the Northern Alps, snowfall down lower is expected). Brief sunny intervals between the showers are possible. Winds will be moderate to brisk from the NW. At 2000 m: -4 degrees; at 3000 m: -11 degrees.

Slightly increasing avalanche danger