Dachstein, Gosaukamm

Persistent weak layer and increased wet snow problem during daytime changes

Persistent weak layer and increased wet snow problem during daytime changes

The avalanche risk is predominantly moderate above an altitude of around 1600 metres. There are still avalanche prone locations on shady slopes in steep terrain. Here and most likely at the transition from little to more snow, slab avalanches can be triggered by mostly large additional loads. In some cases, naturally triggered avalanches of up to medium size are possible from unloaded steep slopes, with the warming of the day and plenty of sunshine, especially in the afternoon.

The snowpack has largely settled, with only some firmness on the surface overnight, but is otherwise moist up to high altitudes and often wet on sunny slopes. The snow surface quickly loses firmness depending on altitude and aspect. At high altitudes and on shady slopes, the snow base, fundament continues to be weakened by the kinetic metamorphism. In the middle sunny slopes, the snow depths have already decreased significantly again and, like at low altitude, are often bare.

Conditions will be good on Thursday. Visibility is clear at all altitudes, only near the valleys there may be patches of fog. The sun will often shine brightly on the mountains and the wind will be light to moderate. At 1500 metres around 5 degrees, at 2000 metres around 2 degrees. Friday will be very sunny with few clouds. The visibility may be somewhat clouded by Sahara dust, especially in the Dachstein region. The wind will be weak to moderate from the east. At 1500 metres around 7 degrees, at 2000 metres around 4 degrees.

Note the persistent weak layer problem and daytime changes in wet snow avalanches.