Nock Mountains

Caution in gullies and on lee slopes

Caution in gullies and on lee slopes

Avalanche danger is predominantly LOW. Danger zones are few. The snowdrift masses of recent days are not easily triggered. With large additional loading in very steep gullies, bowls and behind protruberances, isolated mostly small slabs can be triggered.

The combination of gale-strength winds and relatively mild temperatures on Sunday has left behind its marks. The terrain is utterly windblown, often the old snowpack has been laid free. The small amount of snow on the ground has hardened crusts widespread, beneath which are hardened snowdrift masses and widespread weak layers of faceted crystals (granular snow).

On Monday, dry and initially sunny. In the afternoon, overcast skies. First snow showers in the evening. Stormy winds (60-80 km/hr). Temperature at 2000 m: around -6 degrees. On Monday night, moderate to heavy snowfall with lots of wind impact, persisting throughout the day on Tuesday. In 24 hours, until Tuesday evening, up to 20 cm of fresh snow is expected. Outlook: on Wednesday, heavy storm winds and snow showers from the north, winds up to 100 km/hr.

Significant and swift increase in avalanche danger on Tuesday. Fresh snow/snowdrifts deposited atop a weak old snowpack.