Nock Mountains

Freshly generated snowdrifts require attentiveness

Freshly generated snowdrifts require attentiveness

Avalanche danger levels above the treeline are moderate, below that altitude danger is low. Snowdrifts are the major problem. Slab. avalanches of medium size can be triggered even by minimum additional loading, particularly near to ridgelines on N/E/SE facing slopes. Avalanche danger above the treeline is considerable, below that altitude danger is low. Snowdrift accumulations are the main problem. Slab avalanches of medium size can in some places be triggered even by minimum additional loading, i.e. the weight of one person. In some places above 2200m they can fracture down to deeper weak layers in the old snow and thereby grow to large size. Danger zones can be difficult to recognize due to poor visibility. Due to rain impact at intermediate altitudes, small naturally triggered wet-snow slides and glide-snow avalanches are possible.

The fresh fallen snow has been heftily transported. Inside the fresh snow, short-lived weak layers are forming near the surface (graupel, decomposed snow). At low and intermediate altitudes the bonding is good. Above 2000m the fresh snow and drifts have often been deposited atop faceted crystals near crusts, in some places surface hoar has been blanketed on shady, wind-protected slopes above the treeline. On wind-protected shady slopes above the treeline there is often surface hoar. Above the treeline there is surface hoar evident. Above 2000m the snowpack layering is unfavorable, there are several weak layers of faceted crystals. The entire snowpack can glide away over steep rock places or grass-covered. slopes.

On Sunday, a warm front will pass through from the nocturnal hours. In the afternoon a cold front will follow on its heels. Visibility in the Northern Alps will be reduced from early morning, then deteriorate further in the Tauern and Nockberge during the daytime. Rainfall and snowfall are expected, the snowfall level in the morning will be at 1500m and be evening will drop to the valley floors. Fresh snow: 5-15cm. Winds (foehn) will shift in the morning to westerly-to-northwesterly, in the evening reaching windspeeds of 60 km/hr. Temperatures will drop. At 2000m: from -2 to -8 degrees; at 3000m: from -6 to -14 degrees. On Sunday night, light snowfall is anticipated.

Avalanche danger levels are expected to increase during the daytime on Monday.