Glockner Group Pasterze

The snowdrift accumulations generated over the last 3 days are the major danger.

The snowdrift accumulations generated over the last 3 days are the major danger.

As a result of fresh snowfall and strong-to-storm strength winds from varying directions, trigger-sensitive snowdrift accumulations have been generated since Friday, particularly in gullies, bowls and behind protruberances in the landscape. These can be triggered by one single skier in all aspects above 2200m. Due to winds the drifted masses will continue to grow further. Avalanche headquarters have little information from high alpine regions. For that reason, the situation must be cautiously evaluated on-site. Apart from the risks of being buried in snow masses, the danger of being swept along and forced to take a fall need to be taken into consideration.

From place to place, 30-40 cm of snowfall has fallen above 2200m since Friday. Often strong-velocity winds have covered the fresh fallen snow. Freshly generated snowdrift accumulations are poorly bonded with each other and with the old snow. The upper layers of the snowpack are soft; the lower layers are faceted. There is still little snow on the ground at all altitudes for this juncture of the season. The snowpack is highly irregular, even over small areas.

On Monday, the low-pressure front will maintain its impact, the mountains will be shrouded in clouds, light snowfall will prevail initially. Moderate to strong NE winds. At 1000m: -1 degree; at 2000m: -6 degrees; at 3000m: -11 degrees.

Snowdrift accumulations demand cautious assessment.