Goldberg Group Central

Snowdrift accumulations very trigger-sensitive in places

Snowdrift accumulations very trigger-sensitive in places

Avalanche danger above 1600 m is considerable, below that altitude danger is moderate. Fresh snowdrift accumulations can be triggered by 1 person in some places, often small releases, sometimes medium. Particularly near wooded zones, the drifts can be deposited on surface hoar and very trigger-prone. Older drifts usually triggerable only be large additional loading. The drifts are easily recognized for the experienced. Avoid them in steep ridgeline terrain (>30°). When danger signs such as shooting cracks and whumpf noises appear, defensive conduct is recommended. Through the higher temperatures, naturally triggered loose-snow avalanches can be expected in extremely steep terrain, releases mostly small. Danger of naturally triggered glide-snow avalanches persists. Where snow is deep enough, they can reach medium size. Avoid zones below glide cracks.

On Monday night there was 20 cm of fresh snow registered amid much wind-impact. The drifts were deposited atop faceted layers and surface hoar, now constituting an extremely trigger-prone weak layer for which the snowdrift accumulations are the slab. Through the warmth on Wednesday, the drifted masses will settle, thus gaining more firmness for the slab. Older snowdrift accumulations unlikely to trigger, only by large additional loading, otherwise the old snowpack is stable. The snow base is still moist, reinforcing the tendency of the entire snowpack to glide downhill over smooth ground (rocks, grass).

On Wednesday, high-altitude clouds, diffuse light conditions but adequate visibility. Winds will be moderate to brisk from W/SW, strong at high altitudes in the Tauern and Northern Alps. Noticeably higher temperatures: at 2000 m +3 - +4 degrees.

Avalanche danger levels will rise as Thursday nears.