Nock Mountains

Fresh wind slab and weak old snowpack with low snow cover

Fresh wind slab and weak old snowpack with low snow cover

The avalanche danger is moderate above 1800 m and low below. Slab avalanches can be triggered in some places by small additional loads, but remain predominantly small. Avalanche prone locations increase rapidly from the tree line upwards, at higher altitudes increasingly also in south-easterly aspects. They are usually easily recognisable next to blown-off areas. Whumpfing collapsing sounds when walking on the snow cover, snowpack can indicate danger. Terrain traps are less full due to a lack of snow and are therefore more effective.

With warm temperatures, the snow cover was moistened up to around 2000 m and froze overnight to form at least a thin melt-freeze crust; in some areas it is icy next to the fresh drift snow, especially on the sunny slopes. The transition from fresh and older wind slab to old snowpack (faceted crystals on/under crust) usually serves as a weak layer. This consists of layers of faceted crystals, deep rime and melt-freeze crusts. The total snow depth is still well below average. The sunny slopes and the broad ridges are often completely blown off or covered in snow.

During the night, the sky will be clear and a partly brisk south-easterly to southerly wind will continue at high altitudes. On Wednesday, the consistently sunny weather will continue with good visibility and dry air. The wind will be mostly weak to moderate. The temperature at 2000 metres will be around -3 degrees, at 3000 metres around -6 degrees.

As the wind dies down, the danger within the stage decreases.