Dachstein, Gosaukamm

Persistent weak layer problem in the high altitudes!

Persistent weak layer problem in the high altitudes!

The avalanche risk is moderate at high altitudes. Medium slab avalanches can occasionally be triggered here in steep terrain even with a small additional load. Mainly in the high altitudes, attention should be paid to steep slopes in the northern sector, partly adjacent to ridgelines on the east side, transitions from little to more snow as well as steep gullies and bowls. Avalanche prone locations are difficult to recognise.

There are only a few centimetres of snow in places during the day. At higher elevations, the snowpack contains thin melt-freeze crusts and faceted crystals near the ground on the north and shady slopes, some of which are floating snow. The snowpack is still very unevenly distributed, with only a little snow even at higher altitudes.

On Thursday, the clouds will be thick and the sun will hardly make an appearance. Visibility should be mostly unrestricted, only the highest peaks may be covered in fog. It will be mostly dry around midday, with snow showers coming from the west in the afternoon/evening. The snowfall level will be around 1400 metres. The south-westerly wind will be moderate at first, but then shift to the west and reach speeds of up to 60 km/h in the afternoon. At 1500 m around 1 degree, at 2000 m -1 degree. Friday morning and afternoon will be cloudy with a few rain showers. Snow showers above around 1200 metres. From midday it will remain largely dry and it will be sunny at times. A brisk to strong westerly wind will blow until midday, with gusts of around 60 km/h in places. The wind will then ease considerably towards the evening. At an altitude of 1500 m around -1 degrees, at 2000 m -5 degrees.

Due to new fallen snow in the night from Thursday to Friday and wind, there is fresh wind slab.