Goldberg Group Central

Freshly generated snowdrifts from southerly foehn winds plus weak layers in old snowpack

Freshly generated snowdrifts from southerly foehn winds plus weak layers in old snowpack

Avalanche danger levels are moderate. Avalanches can be triggered even by minimum additional loading in some places above 2200m. Danger zones occur particularly on north and east facing slopes above 2200m, on south-facing slopes above 2400m. Danger zones increase in frequency with ascending altitude and can be medium-sized. Caution urged in transitions from shallow to deep snow. Glide-snow avalanches can trigger at any time of day or night where the snow depths are sufficient, particularly blow 2400m on E/S/W facing slopes. Circumvent zones below glide cracks.

At night on sunny slopes and at low altitudes, a melt-freeze crust can form which then softens during the course of the day. The fresh snow has been transported far-reachingly. Exposed ridges and crests are windblown, gullies and bowls are filled to the brim even at the forest rims. The most recent snowfall has settled well. On shady slope the snowpack is still loosely-packed, was frequently able to expansively metamorphose again. Above 2200m the snowpack layering is generally unfavorable with several weak layers of faceted crystals. The entire snowpack can glide over steep rock plates or grassy slopes.

Following a night of frequently clear skies on Thursday, high-altitude clouds will soon move in, as of midday covering the sun. Light conditions will be increasingly diffuse but visibility will still be adequate. During the course of the day, brisk-to-strong SW winds will arise, blowing at storm strength in high alpine regions. Temperatures will drop from +2 to -2 degrees at 2000m; from -5 to -7 degrees at 3000m. On Thursday night, 5-15 cm of snowfall (focal point in Northern Alps) accompanied by strong-velocity NW winds.

On Friday, fresh snowdrifts to increase the danger of slab avalanches