Goldberg 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 above 2000 m can be triggered in some danger zones by 1 person and grow to medium size. The drifts will increase in thickness in afternoon as snowfall sets in. Danger zones increase with ascending altitude, occur esp. behind discontinuities and in gullies and bowls on W/N/E facing slopes. Drifts are not easy to recognize due to diffuse light conditions. 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 large.

Due to persistent southerly foehn wind, fresh snowdrift accumulations are still being generated, deposited atop a soft surface above 2000 m. Above 2300 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.

On Sunday the foehn wind will reach its acme, blowing at storm strength in high-altiude Tauern regions and foehn lanes. The Tauern and Nockberge peaks will often be shrouded in clouds, snowfall level at 1800 m. By evening, up to 15 cm of fresh snow is expected. At 2000 m: 0 degrees; at 3000 m: -5 degrees.

Avalanche danger levels are not expected to change significantly.