Goldberg Group Central

Loose-snow activity and blanketed snowdrift masses

Loose-snow activity and blanketed snowdrift masses

Avalanche danger is MODERATE. Due to solar radiation and diffuse light, small loose-snow avalanches can release naturally in extremely steep (>40°) terrain. In places, small loose-snow avalanches can be triggered by 1 person. Blanketed snowdrifts at high and high-alpine altitudes can trigger a small slab by one person in isolated cases. Most danger zones occur in steep terrain (>30°) on N/E/SW facing slopes behind discontinuities and in wind-loaded gullies and bowls. Frequency of avalanche prone locations increases with ascending altitude. Snowdrift masses can be covered, thus, difficult to recognize. In isolated cases, glide-snow avalanches, medium-sized, can release naturally.

Atop a thoroughly moist snowpack, 50-80 cm of cold snow lies deposited at high altitudes. In transitions from the old snowpack to the fresh snow masses, bonding is good, but poor in the upper layers of the fresh snow, due to wind impact on Saturday, but the drifts will quickly consolidate. Reserves of cold in the old snow are limited to shady slopes above 2600 m.

On Saturday night a bit of snowfall is possible (5 cm), the NW winds will slacken off noticeably. On Sunday, clouds will initially reduce visibility, isolated snow showers are possible (additional 5 cm). In afternoon, visibility will improve, sunshine is possible, the NW/NE winds will be moderate. At 2000 m: -7 degrees; at 3000 m: -14 degrees.

Avalanche danger levels are not expected to change significantly.