Goldberg Group Central

Avalanche prone locations in persistent weak layers are rare but have serious consequences, snowdrift accumulations are still accessible at altitude

Avalanche prone locations in persistent weak layers are rare but have serious consequences, snowdrift accumulations are still accessible at altitude

The avalanche risk is moderate above 2000 metres and low below that. Above 2000 m, medium and occasionally large, dry slab avalanches can still be triggered in persistent weak layers in the aspects from west to north to east. Although such avalanche prone locations are rare, they are not recognisable in the terrain. Be especially careful at the transitions from little to more snow. Avalanches in wind slabs can still be triggered by individuals above 2200 m, in particular in aspects from north-west to north to north-east. Danger areas are located behind terrain edges and in steep gullies and bowls. Avalanches can reach medium size and occasionally become large if they tear through the persistent weak layer.

It is snowing heavily. New and wind slab snow from the beginning of the week has often stabilised well up to high altitudes. In places (on shady slopes, in high alpine locations also on sunny slopes) there is wind slab on soft, faceted snow. Deeper in the snowpack, faceted crystals can be found on crusts; close to the ground, the snowpack consists of angular, cup-shaped crystals. The connection at the transition to the deep snow near the ground is still poor. Deep and sunny middle layers are once again bare.

On Saturday, visibility will often be limited by dense clouds and sunny spells will be rare. At first, it may rain or snow lightly, especially in the northern Alps, with showers becoming more frequent along the main Alpine ridge in the afternoon. Snow will fall above around 1200 metres. The wind will blow weakly to moderately from the north-east. Temperatures will be around -3 degrees at 2000 metres and -10 degrees at 3000 metres.

Gradual settlement of the snowdrift accumulations.