Glockner Group Central

Snowdrift problem at high altitude. Glide-snow avalanches on steep grassy slopes.

Snowdrift problem at high altitude. Glide-snow avalanches on steep grassy slopes.

Avalanche danger above 2000 m is MODERATE, below that altitude danger is LOW. As a result of fresh snow and moderate-to-strong winds, wide-ranging snowdrift accumulations have been generated esp. in summit and ridgelines areas over the last few days which on N/E facing slopes above 2600 m in particular can be triggered by one single winter sports enthusiast. Avalanches are mostly medium-sized, but if deeper layers are fractured can grow to large size. In other regions, the weak layers in the old snow are only found on very unfavourable slopes such as in transitions from shallow to deep snow on extermrely steep shady slopes (>40°) above 2600 m, where minimum additional loading can trigger them. Below 2400 m, moderate danger of small-to-medium naturally triggered glide-snow avalanches. Also wet loose-snow avalanches in steep rocky terrain are possible in case of solar radiation and moist air.

Over the last few days, 40-60 cm of fresh snow has been registered amid moderate-to-strong NW winds, wide ranging snowdrift accumulations have been generated, well bonded below 2600 m, at high altitudes less well bonded. In the upper part of the snowpack (60-100 cm below the surface) there are weak faceted layers on shady slopes above 2600 m. On steep grassy slopes the snowpack can glide as a mass over the moist ground. Due to solar radiation and moist air, the snowpack softens. Below 1800 m there is little snow on the ground.

On Thursday, dense cloud will persist in the morning, a bit more pleasant in the Lungau, a bit of rainfall, snowfall above 1200 - 1400 m. The latter part of the day will be mostly dry, clouds will disperse somewhat. Winds will be light to moderate from W/NW. At 2000 m: -1 to +2 degrees; at 3000 m: -8 to -5 degrees.

On Friday, mostly cloudy, some snowfall above 2000-2200 m, below that altitude as rainfall which will make the snowpack even wetter. Wet loose-snow avalanches and glide-snow avalanches are possible.