Goldberg Group Central

Snowdrift problem at high altitude. Glide-snow avalanches during course of day.

Snowdrift problem at high altitude. Glide-snow avalanches during course of day.

Avalanche danger above 2400 m is MODERATE in the morning, below that altitude danger is LOW. As a result of higher temperatures and rainfall, avalanche danger below 2400 m will rise to CONSIDERABLE in the afternoon. Morning: the older snowdrift accumulations can in isolated cases be triggered by one sole skier above 2600 m, avalanche releases mostly medium, isolated large-sized releases when deeper layers are swept away. On steep grassy slopes below 2600 m, isolated naturally triggered glide-snow avalanches are possible. Afternoon: due to higher temperatures, moist air masses and rainfall, small-to-medium sized naturally triggered wet-snow and glide-snow avalanches are possible below the snowfall level. Isolated avalanches on shady slopes can grow to large size. Uncertain forecast: The uncertainties with regard to tomorrow’s precipitation loom large. Amounts of precipitation and snowfall level will be determined largely by the development during the afternoon, which necessitates close observation.

During the night of partly clear skies, a thin melt-freeze crust will form then rapidly soften during the day. Higher daytime temperatures and moist air masses will lead to a further softening of the snowpack. In the afternoon, rainfall below 2200-2500 m will moisten and weaken the snowpack. At higher altitudes, 20-40 cm of fresh snow is possible. Winds will be light to moderate. Snowdrift accumulations from the last few days have consolidated well for the most part, are adequately bonded with the layers beneath them, only on shady slopes at high altitudes are they still prone to triggering. On shady slopes, isolated faceted layers are evident inside the old snowpack.

On Friday, initially dry with scattered clouds and some sunshine. Later, clouds will move in, visibility deteriorate. In late morning, rainfall and snowfall will spread, the snowfall level in the afternoon will lie at 2200-2500 m. Westerly winds will be light to moderate, but gradually intensify in the high alpine regions. At 2000 m: 2-4 degrees; at 3000 m: -2 degrees.

Slight decrease in danger of wet-snow and glide-snow avlanches, these remain the main problem.