Nock Mountains

Caution: fresh snowdrift accumulations

Caution: fresh snowdrift accumulations

The snowdrift problem above the treeline is MODERATE, below that altitude it is LOW. Avalanche danger locations are from fresh snowdrifts and those of yesterday, in the regions above the timberline and increasingly on steep ridgeline slopes. Caution urged in gullies, steep bowls, steep slopes in N/E/S aspects. Avalanches can be triggered even by the weight of one sole person, then grow from small to medium size.

The W/NW winds will continue to generate snowdrift accumulations and deposit them in ridgeline terrain. They are not especially large or deep, but easily triggered atop the cold, loose powder snow. The older snow from this week has settled somewhat on sunny slopes. It lies deposited on an older, melt-freeze encrusted surface. The soft layer just below the crust (faceted crystals from December) is currently not relevant.

On Sunday the peaks will mostly be veiled in clouds, repeated bouts of snowfall are expected. During the daytime, 5-15 cm of fresh snow is anticipated expected, apart from the Nockberge. On Sunday, brisk NW winds in high altitudes. At 2000 m: -10 degrees; at 3000 m: -15 degrees. On Monday, snowfall and clouds will reduce visibility heavily. Particularly between Loferer Steinberge and Gosaukamm, persistent snowfall is anticipated, about 15 cm of fresh snow is expected. On the Main Alpine Ridge and in the Lungau, strong-to-stormy northerly winds. Temperatures will not change.

All in all, avalanche danger increasing slightly within the current danger levels. Main problem remains the fresh snowdrifts above the treeline.