Goldberg Group Central

Daytime decreasing firmness with solar radiation

Daytime decreasing firmness with solar radiation

The avalanche risk is initially low below around 2400 m and increases to moderate in the morning. Spontaneous or artificially triggered wet loose snow avalanches are possible in a few places, in particular from very steep terrain below around 2800 m where there is still a lot of snow. In wet snow, avalanches can tear through to the ground, reach medium size and, if the terrain is unfavourable, advance into the green.

Above around 2400 m, there are still individual avalanche prone locations in the west, north and east aspects, as well as in the southern sector in the high Alps, where slab avalanches can be triggered in persistent weak layers. Take care on the steep transitions from little to lots of snow.

After a clear night, the melt-freeze crust is widespread and, depending on the exposure, softens in the morning and then loses firmness. In shady high altitudes, the 5 to 15 cm of new fallen snow from the beginning of the week is well settled and often still soft. The snowpack below consists of compact snow characterised by rain up to high altitudes. On shady slopes from around 2400 metres, there are still weak layers of angular forms and deep rime in the old snowpack close to the ground. Low altitudes and sunny slopes at medium altitudes are mostly covered in snow.

After a clear night, it will be very sunny on Thursday, although thin clouds will pass through at times and cumulus clouds will develop during the day. Visibility will mostly be very good. The wind from the west to northwest will strengthen during the day changes and blow moderately to briskly. In the exposed high areas on the main Alpine ridge of the Tauern and in the Nockberge mountains, it can reach speeds of around 80 km/h. At 2000 m -3 to +4 degrees, at 3000 m -8 to -4 degrees.

No significant change on Friday. Note the daytime changes in avalanche danger.