Goldberg Group Central

Snowdrift accumulations and persistent weak layer at high altitudes

Snowdrift accumulations and persistent weak layer at high altitudes

Avalanche danger above 2600m is MODERATE, below that altitude danger is LOW. Main danger: weak layers in upper part of snowpack. Danger zones occur seldom but are not visible to the naked eye. Triggering a slab avalanche in these weak lyers is possible esp. on very steep (>35°) slopes. Avalanches can be unleashed even by the weight of one person and grow to dangerously large size. Particularly unfavorable: sunny slopes above 2800 m. Fresh snowdrift accumulations are prone to triggering in isolated places at high altitudes. Danger zones lie esp. in ridgeline terrain and summit zones, usually easy to recognize. Avalanche are mostly small. Circumvent snowdrifts on very steep (>35°) slopes, esp. above concavities in the terrain, e.g. steep fall-endangered slopes. In case of solar radiation, small loose-snow avalanches can be expected on extremely steep (>40°) sunny slopes. Only very isolated loose-snow avalanches can be expected at high altitudes.

Above 2600 m there are expansively metamorphosed (faceted) layers bordering on melt-freeze crusts in the upper part of the snowpack. Weak layers more deeply embedded inside the snowpack are unlikely to trigger. The snowpack was moistened on Easter Monday on sunny slopes, leading to active loose-snow avalanche activity. During cloudy skies at night the snowpack was not able to cool off. Little rainfall below 1900 m further warmed the snowpack. Above 1900 m there was 10 cm of fresh snow. Below 1800 m there is little snow on the ground.

On Tuesday, dense cloud, frequently precipitation from the NW, reducing visibility. The snowfall level will lie at 1500-1900 m, then descend in the northern regions to 1300 m in the evening. The Lungau Nockberge will be drier, clouds will disperse in the afternoon. Brisk to strong W/NW winds. At 2000 m: 0 degrees; at 3000 m: -7 degrees.

No change is expected.