Goldberg Group Central

Fresh snowdrifts + weak old snow

Fresh snowdrifts + weak old snow

Avalanche danger above 2200 m is CONSIDERABLE, below that altitude danger is MODERATE. Avalanches can in some places be triggered easily in the weak old snow and grow to medium size, on shady slopes above the timberline and on sunny slopes above 2600 m. As a result of fresh fallen snow and NW winds, small but trigger-sensitive snowdrift accumulations have been generated. These danger zones increase with ascending altitude and, moreover, are difficult to recognize due to poor visibility. Below about 2400 m particularly on south-facing slopes, naturally triggered avalanches of medium size are possible on steep grass-covered slopes. In addition, due to daytime warming and some solar radiation, naturally triggered loose-snow avalanches can be expected on steep sunny slopes.

Due to a cold front Wednesday night, moderate snowfall amid moderate-to-strong NW winds will bring 5-10 cm of fresh snow over widespread areas. Fresh, trigger-sensitive snowdrifts will accumulate. On shady slopes at high altitudes and in the high alpine regions, on sunny slopes above 2600m, there are expansively metamorphosed (faceted) layers deeply embedded inside the snowpack which are now blanketed by the fresh snow and snowdrifts from the last few days.

On Thursday residual clouds will persist and hamper visibility. Except for that, sunshine will soon prevail. Starting at midday from the northwest, cloud cover will move in, and precipitation will start: rainfall up to 1200 m, snowfall above that altitude. Winds will be brisk from SW directions. At 2000 m: -2 degrees; at 3000 m: -8 degrees.

The snowpack is settling and consolidating. Avalanche danger will slowly recede.