Goldberg Group Central

Weak layers in the old snow and trigger-sensitive snowdrifts: ATTENTION!

Weak layers in the old snow and trigger-sensitive snowdrifts: ATTENTION!

Avalanche danger above the timberline is CONSIDERABLE, below that altitude danger is LOW. Avalancxhes can in some places be triggered by one sole winter sports enthusiast in the weak old snow, then grow to dangerously large size. Danger zones increase with ascending altitude, are found particularly on steep shady slopes above 2200 m and on sunny slopes above 2600 m. Especially unfavourable are wind-protected, shady bowls at the foot of rock walls and bowls. Naturally triggered avalanches and remote triggerings are possible in isolated cases. Furthermore, the fresh snowdrifts are trigger-sensitive, can even be remotely triggered. Superficially triggered drifts can then fracture down to more deeply embedded layers. Danger zones are difficult to recognize due to poor visibility. On steep grass-covered slopes, small glide-snow avalanches can trigger naturally.

Since Sunday evening there has been 30-60 cm of fresh snow registered in the mountains. The W/NW winds were strong to stormy. On shady slopees at high altitudes and in high alpine regions above 2600 m there are faceted crystal layers more deeply embedded. Fresh snow and fresh drifts blanked the weak old snowpack. In addition, fresh snow and fresh drifts are often poorly bonded with each other. Below 1800 m, on sunny slopes further up, the ground was bare before the precipitation began.

On Tuesday the peaks are shrouded in heavy cloud, snow showers of varying intensity are expected. They will slacken off in the afternoon. Some bright intervals are possible. Brisk to strong NW winds, stormy on the Main Alpine Ridge. At 2000 m: -7 degrees; at 3000 m: -14 degrees.

Due to a warm front, temperatures on Wednesday will temporarily rise, winds ease. The avalanche situation is not expected to change significantly. Fresh snow and fresh snowdrifts lie deposited atop an unfavourable, faceted snowpack, particularly on shady slopes, and continue to be prone to triggering. On Wednesday night, a cold front will bring another round of snowfall.