Goldberg Group Central

Heed: fresh snowdrifts and persistent weak layer at high altitudes

Heed: fresh snowdrifts and persistent weak layer at high altitudes

Avalanche danger above 2000 m is CONSIDERABLE (3), below that altitude danger is moderate. Fresh snowdrift accumulations above 2000 m can be triggered in some danger zones by 1 person and grow to medium size. Danger zones increase with ascending altitude, occur esp. behind discontinuities and in gullies and bowls in all aspects. Drifts are not easy to recognize due to diffuse light, they can also be covered. Above 2300 m there are near-surface weak layers in the snowpack, triggerable in some places by 1 person, large-sized releases possible, esp. on very steep shady slopes. There is continuing latent danger of glide-snow avalanches, usually medium-sized, occasionally larger.

Due to southerly foehn wind on the weekend, fresh snowdrift accumulations have been generated, deposited atop a soft surface above 2000 m. Due to stormy NW winds, more fresh snowdrift accumulations will be generated, deposited atop soft layers. The surface shows marked effects of wind impact, is highly irregular. Above 2300 m near-surface layers have faceted crystals near crusts, also near covered surface hoar, which can serve as weak layers, esp. on W/N/E facing slopes. At intermediate altitudes the snowpack has become moist repeated times and is very compact.

Frequent snowfall from heavy clouds. On high-altitude Tauern slopes, often stormy NW winds. By early morning there will be 5 cm of fresh snow, then an additional 5-15 cm during the daytime, transported by winds and deposited highly irregularly. Snowfall level at 1000-1200 m, above 1400 m the snow will persist on the ground. In exposed Tauern zones, NW winds will reach speeds of 80 km/hr. At 2000 m: -3 degrees; at 3000 m: -10 degrees.

Avalanche danger levels are not expected to change significantly.