Nock Mountains

Isolated trigger-sensitive snowdrift patches

Isolated trigger-sensitive snowdrift patches

Avalanche danger is low. Fresh small snowdrift accumulations can be triggered, esp. >35° on shady slopes. Danger zones occur in gullies, bowls and behind abrupt discontinuities in the terrain and are difficult to recognize due to poor visibility. Caution urged where falls are possible.

Due to strong velocity southerly winds starting on Tuesday afternoon, isolated small snowdrift accumulations will be generated. The occur on wind-protected shady slopes and lie deposited atop a loose old snowpack surface of faceted crystals and surface hoar - they are prone to triggering. Weak layers more deeply embedded inside the snowpack (Tauern, high alpine zones) are well blanketed and unlikely to trigger. The snowpack is generally stable. At low (<1000m) and intermediate (<2000m) altitudes there is little snow on the ground, most slopes are bare. On shady slopes above 1800 m there is dry snow, even powder in wind-protected zones (expansively metamorphosed). On sunny slopes and in general below 1800 m a melt-freeze crust has formed on the surface which due to heavy cloud and winds in Tuesday will not soften up much.

On Tuesday, gray skies, the peaks often shrouded in fog, poor visibility, a bit of minor snowfall. Possible sunshine at high altitudes on the Main Tauern Ridge in the morning. Moderate to strong SW winds. At 3000 m: -10 degrees; at 2000m: -4 degrees; at 1000 m: +4 degrees.

Wednesday: a few centimetres of fresh snow and strong-to-stormy southerly winds along the Main Ridge. Slight rise in avalanche danger.