Glockner Group Pasterze

Even single freeriders can release avalanches easily. As a consequence of warming, the natural activity of wet avalanches will appreciably increase.

As a consequence of new snow and warming a dangerous avalanche situation will persist.

As a consequence of new snow and a strong to storm force northwesterly wind, further wind slabs formed in gullies and bowls and behind abrupt changes in the terrain. The new snow and wind slabs of the last few days are lying on top of a weakly bonded old snowpack. This applies on west, north and east facing slopes. The avalanche prone locations are numerous, especially in areas close to the tree line, as well as above the tree line. Winter sport participants can release avalanches easily, including large ones. Remotely triggered avalanches are possible. As a consequence of warming during the day and solar radiation loose snow avalanches are to be expected as the day progresses. This applies in particular on steep sunny slopes. In particular on steep, rather lightly snow-covered east and west facing slopes the wet avalanches can penetrate even deep layers and reach large size in isolated cases. In addition gliding avalanches are possible. This applies especially on cut and grassy slopes below approximately 2000 m.

15 to 30 cm of snow, and even more in some localities, fell on Tuesday. The wind was strong to storm force in some cases. The wind has transported the new snow significantly. Further wind slabs formed. On Wednesday it will be very mild. The snowpack will be prone to triggering over a wide area. The new snow and wind slabs are lying on top of a weakly bonded old snowpack. Distinct weak layers exist in the bottom section of the old snowpack. This applies in particular on west, north and east facing slopes in areas close to the tree line, and above the tree line. The rain gave rise to thorough wetting of the snowpack at low and intermediate altitudes.

As a consequence of warming and solar radiation, the activity of wet avalanches will increase.