Goldberg Group Central

Assess slab avalanche danger zones with caution on shady slopes

The fresh snow has been deposited on steep shady slopes above 2200m atop an expansively metamorphosed snowpack which is prone to triggering in places. On sunny slopes and at lower altitudes, the bonding of fresh fallen snow to the old snowpack is generally good, the surface moistens during the daytime, forms a thin melt-freeze crust at night - not capable of bearing loads. Weak layers in the lowermost part of the snowpack are no longer likely to trigger.

On Monday, good visibility, sunshine from early till late. Winds will be light. Temperatures will continue to rise. At 2000m: +1 degree; at 3000m: -5 degrees. On Monday night, skies will be star-studded.

As temperatures gradually rise, likelihood of triggering w recede. The snowpack surface is becoming increasingly moist.

Assess slab avalanche danger zones with caution on shady slopes

Avalanche danger above 2200m is moderate, below that altitude danger is low. Slab avalanches can be triggered by one sole skier and reach medium size where snow is sufficient or if fractures down to more deeply embedded layers occur. Danger zones occur esp. on NW/N/E facing slopes, esp. near ridgelines and behind protruberances in the terrain and at entries into steep gullies and bowls. Danger zones often blanketed, making them difficult to recognize. Avalanches in the old snow above 2200m are isolated, possible only in extremely steep terrain on north-facing slopes. During the course of the day, naturally triggered loose-snow avalanches can be expected in all aspects, releases will be generally small-sized. On steep grass-covered slopes, very isolated small glide-snow avalanches are possible.