Nock Mountains

Glide-snow + wet loose-snow avalanches starting in afternoon.

No significant change is expected in avalanche danger levels.

Glide-snow + wet loose-snow avalanches starting in afternoon.

LOW avalanche danger. In afternoon, MODERATE avalanche danger below 2400m. Fractures in weak layers in lower part of snowpack can in isolated cases be triggered by large additional loading. Transitions from shallow to deep snow are unfavourable on very steep (>35°) N/E facing slopes above 2200 m. Avalanches can reach medium size. In addition, on steep smooth grassy slopes below 2400 m, naturally triggered glide-snow avalanches are possible at any time of day or night which can reach medium size. Pass through terrain below glide cracks as quickly as possible. In the afternoon, likelihood of mostly small set loose-snow avalanches rises somewhat on extremely steep SE/S/SW facing slopes. A soft/weak snowpack is an indication of danger.

The snowpack is quite stable. More deeply embedded layers in the old snow (faceted crystals, also melt-freeze crusts) are unlikely to trigger. Strong westerly winds are not transporting much loose snow. Small snowdrift patches lie deposited atop a favourable snowpack surface, although highly irregular (showing impacdt of warmth and sun below 1500 m and on all sunny slopes, still powdery on shady wind-protected slopes, elsewhere showing signs of wind impact). Wind-exposed terrain is often bare of snow. The snowpack softens during the course of the day and thus forfeits its firmness.

On Saturday in the Tauern and Nockberge, no precipitation. High-altitude clouds will hamper the sunshine and visibility. Stormy W/NW winds will be blowing in some places. At 2000 m: +1 degree.