Nock Mountains

Fresh snow atop thoroughly wet snowpack

Fresh snow atop thoroughly wet snowpack

Avalanche danger above 1500m is MODERATE, below that altitude danger is LOW. At high altitudes the danger stems from small fresh snowdrift masses which can be triggered as small-to-medium sized slab avalanches even by the weight of one sole person. Danger zones occur esp. in steep ridgeline terrain and in gullies, esp in N/E aspect. Also, naturally triggered small-to-medium glide-snow avalanches are possible at any time of day or night.

Since mild Thursday with rainfall up to 2800 m, temperatures have incrementally dropped, the snowfall level also descended amid intermittent rainfall and snowfall. The fresh snow is accumulating above 1500m significantly. At high altitudes in the Northern Alps there has been 15-25 cm of fresh snow registered. Bonding of fresh snow to the base deteriorates with ascending altitude. Fresh drifts generated by southerly foehn wind on Friday lie deposited on W/NW facing slopes. The snowpack at intermediate altitudes, if there is one, is thoroughly wet and 0° isotherm.

On Sunday visibility will rapidly deteriorate, in the Northern Alps it will be poor right from the start. Fog, clouds, rain and snowfall will dominate as of midday in the Tauern and Nockberge. Snowfall level will lie at 1000-1600 m and descend somewhat by evening. At high and high alpine altitudes, about 10 cm of fresh snow is expected by evening. At 2000 m: -3 degrees; at 3000 m: -9 degrees. Winds will be NW, reaching 50 km/hr by evening.

On Monday temperatures will drop further. Strong to stormy NW winds. Heed snowdrifts!