Glockner Group Central

Danger zones: in gullies and esp. on steep ridgeline slopes

Danger zones: in gullies and esp. on steep ridgeline slopes

Avalanche danger above 2000 m is CONSIDERABLE, below that altitude danger is MODERATE. The variable winds in recent days have loaded E/NW slopes with drifts. A medium slab avalanche can be triggered even by minimum additional loading. Avalanche prone locations occur mostly near ridgelines, also distant from ridgelines in high alpine regions, and in steep gullies and bowls. In high alpine regions, superficial avalanches can fracture down to more deeply embedded layers and grow to large size. Due to solar radiation, naturally triggered loose-snow avalanches can trigger in extremely steep, rocky terrain.

The huge amounts of cold fresh snow over the last few days were able to settle in the un-windy and intermittently sunny weather. Strong-to-stormy E/SE winds transported the snow widespread, depositing new snowdrift accumulations in gullies and on wind-protected slopes. In addition there are drifts at high altitudes generated by strong-to-stormy N/NW winds from Saturday which are not yet consolidated. The rising temperatures favor the formation of slabs inside the snowdrifts. The fracture point for slab avalanches lies at the very cold, loose blanketed snow. Then there are also weak layers inside the old snowpack near melt-freeze crusts and the depth hoar in the fundament.

Wednesday will be very sunny following early morning fogbanks on the valley floors. Excellent visibility in the dry winter air. Winds will be light. At 2000 m: -1 degree. On Thursday, initially still sunshine, but visibility will deteriorate from the north gradually. At 2000 m: -7 degrees, at 3000 m: -11 degrees.

Little change is expected.