Nock Mountains

Fresh snowdrift accumulations generated during daytime

Fresh snowdrift accumulations generated during daytime

The snowdrift problem above the timberline is predominantly MODERATE, below that altitude LOW. Danger zones will increase significantly during the afternoon. As westerly winds intensify, new danger zones will be created, this applies to steep terrain above the treeline, namely, gullies, steep bowls and steep slopes in N/E/S aspects. Triggering an avalanche is possible even through the impulse of one single person, and avalanches can grow to max. medium size. Also naturally triggered small slab avalanches and loose-snow avalanches can be triggered in extremely steep terrain by winds.

As winds arise, fresh snowdrift accumulations will be generated as of midday, which will be deposited atop a cold and loose powdery surface and be easily prone to triggering. The amounts of fresh snow prior to wind impact will be 10-20 cm, deposited atop an old, melt-freeze encrusted surface. The soft layer directly beneath the rust (of faceted crystals from December) is not triggerable at the moment.

On Saturday, visibility often impaired by clouds and light snow showers (a few centimetres of fresh snow). In the afternoon, clouds will disperse, sunshine is anticipated. Caution: strong westerly winds will arise. For hours in the afternoon, strong-to-stormy winds (40-60 km/hr) will be blowing. Cold! At 2000 m: -10 degrees. On Sunday, the peaks will mostly be shrouded in cloud, with repeated bouts of snowfall expected (5-10 cm). Winds will often be

Little change is expected on Sunday. The main problem remains: fresh snowdrift masses above the treeline.