Goldberg Group Central

Fresh drifts esp. in high alpine regions

Fresh drifts esp. in high alpine regions

Danger of avalanches is MODERATE above 1800 m, LOW below that altitude. In very steep terrain below 2300 m, isolated naturally triggered glide-snow avalanches up to medium size are possible. Above the treeline, avalanche prone locations tend to increase with ascending altitude, due to snowdrift accumulations. Avalanche prone locations focus on gullies in all aspects, especially E/S aspects. Triggering a small-to-medium sized slab avalanche there is possible even by minimum additional loading. Transitions zones from shallow to deeper snow can be treacherous; the weak layers in the old snowpack can be triggered and fracture.

Warmth, rainfall and the subsequent cooling of the snowpack have led to a re-gain in firmness up to intermediate altitudes, the moistened snowpack is now superficially melt-freeze encrusted, often up to 2700 m. The snowpack beneath 2300 m is gliding over steep, smooth grass-covered slopes over the ground, however. In high alpine regions, fresh thin snowdrift accumulations ar being generated by NW winds. In exposed zones, wind-crusts dominate. In high alpine regions, particularly on shady slopes above about 2200 m, weak soft layers of faceted crystals are weakening the snowpack fundament.

Saturday will start sunny in the mountains, it will still be foggy in the valleys. Cloudless skies will be far-reaching. Winds in the Tauern will be brisk from N/NW. At 2000 m: maximum -3 to -1 degree; at 3000 m: maximum -5 degrees. On Sunday, similar conditions, mostly sunny with good visibility. At high altitudes often windy. Slightly milder.

Little change on Sunday. Fresh, shallow snowdrifts require attention at high altitudes. Danger of naturally triggered glide-snow releases.