Goldberg Group Central

Heed: fresh snowdrifts and persistent weak layer at high altitudes

Due to southerly foehn wind, fresh snowdrift accumulations have been generated, deposited atop a soft surface above 2000 m. Above 2300 m both blanketed surface hoar and faceted crystals near crusts can serve as weak layers, esp. on W/N/E facing slopes. At intermediate altitudes the snowpack is thoroughly moist and compact.

Heed: fresh snowdrifts and persistent weak layer at high altitudes

Avalanche danger above 2000 m is CONSIDERABLE (3), below that altitude danger is moderate. Fresh snowdrift accumulations above 2000 m can be triggered in some danger zones by 1 person and grow to medium size. Danger zones increase with ascending altitude, occur esp. behind discontinuities and in gullies and bowls in all aspects. Drifts are easy to recognize and should be avoided. Above 2300 m there are near-surface weak layers in the snowpack, triggerable in some places by 1 person, large-sized releases possible, esp. on very steep shady slopes. There is continuing latent danger of glide-snow avalanches, usually medium-sized, occasionally larger.

During the night, stormy southerly winds will be blowing, rainfall/snowfall near the Tauern. On the Main Alpine Ridge 3-10 cm of fresh snow expected, transported and deposited highly irregularly. After midnight, winds will slacken off. On Monday, partly sunny, alternating with clouds, convective cloud build-up later in the day, the peaks often shrouded in clouds, a bit of minor snowfall/rainfall is possible, snowfall level at 1500 m. Light to moderate winds from varying directions. At 2000 m: -2 degrees; at 3000 m: -9 degrees.

Avalanche danger levels are not expected to change significantly.