Nock Mountains

Very isolated small danger zones

Very isolated small danger zones

Avalanche danger is LOW. Isolated danger zones for dry-snow slab avalanches occur on very steep (>35°) shady ridgeline slopes, in gullies and bowls at high altitudes, where even one single winter sports enthusiast can trigger an avalanche. Caution urged where falls are possible.

The snowpack is quite stable in general. Snowdrift masses often lie deposited atop loose, soft snow and can be triggered in isolated cases, on shady high altitude slopes they are prone to triggering. Weak layers more deeply embedded inside the old snowpack (Tauern, in high alpine regions) are generally well blanketed, unlikely to trigger. The snow situation is below average, particularly at low (<1000m) and intermediate (<2000m) altitudes. Sunny slopes are mostly bare of snow. On Friday the snowpack was moistened in all aspectes up to 1800-2000m. Above that altitude on shady slopes the snow is often dry and powdery, on sunny slopes a melt-freeze crust forms during the night, softens during the day.

On Sunday, many peaks in the Northern Alps and Tauern will be shrouded in low lying clouds (ceiling at 2000-2500m). Snowfall will be minor. Nockberge will have better visibility and more sun. Winds will be blowing at 30-40 km/hr. At 2000 m: -8 degrees in the Northern Alps and -5 degrees in the Nockberge, at 3000 m: -11 degrees.

LOW avalanche danger will continue.