Nock Mountains

Fresh + older snowdrifts

Fresh + older snowdrifts

As of about 2000 m, avalanche danger is MODERATE, below that altitude risks are LOW. Snowdrifts are near to and distant from ridgelines, the frequency of avalanche prone locations increases with ascending altitude. Fractures down to more deeply embedded layers inside the snowpack will be rare. Very isolated small naturally triggered glide-snow avalanches are possible.

5-15 cm of fresh snow blanketed the shallow old snowpack, bonding is generally adequate, only weak on isolated steep sunny slopes (cold on warm). In high alpine ridgeline terrain, NW winds have generated thin drifts. The fundament is often expansively metamorphosed or has hoar embedded. The weak layers are not extensive, not easy to terigger. In isolated cases the entire snowpack glides over the ground on steep grassy slopes.

On Sunday, top visibility, sunshine. In the afternoon thin clouds will move in. Winds will remain light from the south. Temperatures will rise: at 2000 m, -1 degree; at 3000 m, -7 degrees. On Monday, adequate visibility, most of the clouds will be above summit level. Light conditions might be diffuse in the morning. No precipitation. Winds from the south: 30 - 40 km/hr. Temperatures will continue to rise. At 2000 m, +5 degrees; at 3000 m, -1 degree.

As a result of intensifying southerly wind, fresh drifts can accumulate on north-facing slopes in high alpine regions. Elsewhere, trigger-sensitivity will recede. At low and intermediate altitudes the snow will become moist.