Nock Mountains

Fresh wind slab and weak persistent weak layer

Fresh wind slab and weak persistent weak layer

The avalanche risk is moderate above the tree line 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 route choice. In the areas bordering the "considerable" avalanche prone locations, avalanches are more frequent and can become larger.

The snow surface is heavily treated by the wind and prone to triggering. Within the snowpack, bonded snow overlays soft, faceted layers. In wind-protected, shady areas above about 2000 m, surface hoar has also been snowed in to some extent. 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 that are well below average.

On Wednesday, visibility is good and the sun often shines, longest in the Nockberge mountains. After a very windy night, the wind drops significantly during the day. It will be milder during the day. At 2000 metres -10 to -4 degrees.

The avalanche risk increases on Thursday with new fallen snow and wind.