Goldberg Group Central

Fresh snowdrifts, esp. in high alpine regions

Fresh snowdrifts, esp. in high alpine regions

Danger of avalanches is MODERATE above 1800 m, LOW below that altitude. In very steep terrain below 2200 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 (light drizzle up to 2700 m in places) 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. 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.

On Friday, little change. Sunshine above the valley fog. On the Main Tauern Ridge, northerly winds will intensify and become stormy. At 3000 m: -4 degrees; at 1500 m: +2 degrees. Similar conditions on Saturday. Strong winds, storm-strength NW winds on the Main Tauern Ridge. Sunny and good visibility. At 3000 m: -5 degrees; at 2000 m: -2 degrees.

Little change on Saturday. Freshly generated trigger-sensitive snowdrifts in high alpine regions remain the main problem. Plus: danger of naturally triggered glide-snow avalanches.