Glockner Group Central

Heed: fresh snowdrifts and persistent weak layer at high altitudes

Heed: fresh snowdrifts and persistent weak layer at high altitudes

Avalanche danger above 2300 m is CONSIDERABLE, below that altitude danger is moderate. Fresh snowdrift accumulations can be triggered in some danger zones by 1 persons and grow to medium size. Danger zones increase with ascending altitude, occur esp. behind discontinuities and in gullies and bowls on W/N/E facing slopes. Drifts are easy to recognize and should be avodied. Above 2300 m there are near-surface weak layers in the snowpack, triggerable in some places by 1 person, large-sized releases possible, esp. on very steep shady slopes. There is continuing latent danger of glide-snow avalanches, usually medium-sized, occasionally larger.

Due to persistent southerly foehn wind, fresh snowdrift accumulations are still being generated, deposited atop a soft surface above 2200 m. Above 2400 m both blanketed surface hoar and faceted crystals near crusts can serve as weak layers, esp. on W/N/E facing slopes. At intermediate altitudes the snowpack is thoroughly moist and compact.

Near the Tauern and Nockberge, heavy clouds will lodge from the south, shroud the peaks, minor snowfall is possible. The southerly winds will be brisk to stormy. In ridgeline and pass areas of the Hohe Tauern, windspeeds of 90 km/hr will be reached. At 2000 m: -3 to 0 degrees; at 3000 m: -7 to -4 degrees.

Avalanche danger levels are not expected to change significantly.