Goldberg Group Central

Wet snow problem, isolated avalanche prone locations in persistent weak layers

Wet snow problem, isolated avalanche prone locations in persistent weak layers

The avalanche risk is moderate in the morning and rises rapidly to level 3 "considerable" as the snowpack softens below around 2800 metres. Wet slab avalanches and loose snow avalanches are possible on slopes that have not yet been discharged in all aspects. The avalanches can occur spontaneously or be triggered by individuals. They usually remain medium in size, but can also become large in some places as wet snow accumulates and tears through the persistent weak layer.

In a few places above 2200 m, weak layers can also be disturbed directly in the old snow, especially on west, north and east-facing slopes, as well as south-facing slopes in the high Alps. Snow slabs in the persistent weak layer can be medium in size, and large if they break through into the floating snow near the ground. The avalanche prone locations are difficult to recognise.

Small, fresh pillows of wind drifted snow can be disturbed in high, blown-in gullies and generally at the transition from little to much snow, especially adjacent to ridgelines.

The outgoing longwave radiation at night is poor, only a thin melt cover forms locally, which softens quickly. Beneath a few centimetres of wind-treated new fallen snow lies well-settled snow from the last periods of precipitation, but softer layers are embedded, especially at altitude, which allow fractures near the surface. On shady slopes from around 2200 metres, there are still prone to triggering weak layers of angular shapes and deep rime in the old snowpack close to the ground. At medium altitudes, rain has soaked the snowpack and the moisture remains inside overnight. Low altitudes are often already snowed out.

Tonight, the last showers are still to be expected in some areas (snowfall level between 1500 and 1900 metres). However, no further large amounts of new snow are expected. After midnight, dry weather will prevail, but the clouds will remain quite dense. Temperatures at 2000 m around +1 degree, at 3000 m around -5 degrees. Tomorrow, Sunday, sun and clouds will alternate, so visibility will vary to some extent. In the afternoon, some additional cumulus clouds will appear, which may temporarily shroud higher peaks in fog. Individual subsequent showers will be the exception and it will mostly remain free of precipitation. At high altitudes in the Tauern, a brisk southerly wind will blow at times during the day. Temperatures at 2000 metres between 5 and 9 degrees, at 3000 metres between -1 and +1 degree.

The wet snow problem remains.