Goldberg Group Central

Superficial avalanches in extremely steep terrain, some snowdrifts

Superficial avalanches in extremely steep terrain, some snowdrifts

Avalanche danger above 2500 m is MODERATE, below that altitude danger is LOW. Due to solar radiation, loose-snow and slab avalanches (small-to-medium) can trigger in extremely steep terrain. Snowdrifts occur mostly near ridges, mostly shallow, sometimes triggerable on N/E facing slopes. Persistent weak layer above 2400 m on shady slopes in particular, around the layer of Sahara dust. This weak layer is currently not triggerable or only by large additional loading (and cannot fracture deeper down).Isolated glide-snow avalanches are possible.

The snowpack has a melt-freeze crust in early morning which later softens. On north-facing slopes and in high alpine regions there is still loose snow. In the afternoon, the intensifying southerly winds can blow away the freshly generated snowdrifts.

On Thursday morning following a night of clear skies, sunny and good visibility. As of midday, convective cloud build-up, irritating E/S winds will arise. At 2000 m: 0 to 3 degrees; at 3000 m: -4 degrees. Skies on Thursday night will be partially overcast. On Friday, lots of cloud, the high peaks shrouded in fog, some rain/snow showers are possible. At 2000 m: 1-4 degrees; at 3000 m: -3 degrees. In the afternoon, some irritating SE wind.

On Friday and over the weekend, lots of clouds and rain showers will dominate from the start (wet-snow problem).