Nock Mountains

Caution: persistent weak layer in high alpine regions where snow is shallow

Caution: persistent weak layer in high alpine regions where snow is shallow

Moderate avalanche danger above 2200m, below 2200m danger is low. Main problem: trigger-sensitive intermediate layers at ground-level in the old snow. Isolated slab avalanches can be triggered on shady steep slopes be large additional loading, particularly where the snow is shallow, i.e. at entries to gullies and bowls. Triggered avalanches can be of small-to-medium size. Secondary threat: freshly generated snowdrifts (small) and thin snowdrift patches (from new snow + wind) can lead to small slides on steep slopes.

There is 0-5 cm of new snow deposited atop a thin melt-freeze crust under which a soft layer lurks. For later, this will be an unfavourable layer, but it is currently not relevant. On leeward slopes there are thin snowdrift patches. Up to 2500 m there is a melt-freeze crust, above that altitude wind crusts dominate. Inside the snowpack the bonding between the most recent snowdrifts has improved. A potential trigger-sensitive layer of faceted and soft snow is evident starting at 2000/2200m in E/N aspects, especially where the snow is shallow in wind-exposed zones.

On Tuesday, sunshine from early until late, cloudless skies. At 2000 m: -8 to -4 degrees; at 3000 m: -9 degrees. Little wind (or none at all). On Wednesday, once again lots of sunshine. During the course of the day, high-altitude cloudbanks will move in but not impede visibility much. Light winds. At 2000 m: -5 to -3 degrees; at 3000 m: -9 or -8 degrees.

Little change