Nock Mountains

Fresh wind slab snow overlays persistent weak layer problem

Fresh wind slab snow overlays persistent weak layer problem

The avalanche risk is moderate above 1800 metres and low below. Especially in the sectors from north-west to north to south, slab avalanches can be triggered by individuals in some places. Avalanches in wind slabs usually remain small. Avalanches that are triggered in persistent weak layers in deep weak layers or tear through these weak layers can reach medium size. Be careful in particular near transitions from little to more snow and in the blown-in entrance areas to steep gullies. Avalanche prone locations are sometimes difficult to recognise and require a defensive choice of route. In the areas bordering on the "considerable" avalanche prone location, avalanches are more frequent and can become larger.

Another 5 to 10 cm of new fallen snow. This, and the snow of the past few days, is extensively transported and is prone to triggering. Within the snowpack, bonded snow overlays soft, angular layers. In wind-protected, shady areas above around 2000 metres, surface hoar has also been snowed in in places. Fractures occur either in soft layers near the surface or around the crust that forms the transition to the completely built-up old snow foundation. In general, areas with little snow alternate with sometimes considerable snowdrift accumulations in a confined space, with overall snow depths well below average.

The night starts slightly cloudy. However, the clouds of a warm front soon gather and it starts to snow lightly after midnight. A strong southerly wind blows at up to 80 km/h. On Monday, visibility will be repeatedly restricted by clouds, fog and snowfall. The snowfall level will rise by midday to around 1000 metres. The sun will stay out longest around midday. The wind will still be blowing strongly from the south in the morning and will shift to the west during the day. A total of around 5 cm of new fallen snow. Around -5 degrees at 2000 metres.

With some new fallen snow and wind, fresh snowdrift accumulations continue to form.