Nock Mountains

Small snowdrift patches at high altitudes, esp. in Northern Alps

Small snowdrift patches at high altitudes, esp. in Northern Alps

Avalanche danger is LOW. As a result of strong-to-stormy westerly winds, small trigger-sensitive snowdrift accumulations have been generated above 2200 m in gullies and bowls. Risks of taking a fall and suffering injuries outweigh those of being buried in snow masses.

The snowpack shows pronounced effects of wind and higher temperatures, melt-freeze crusts of all types tend to dominate. On Thursday up to 10 cm of fresh snow was deposited (Northern Alps) atop wind-impacted surfaces. Fresh snowdrifts on Thursday were deposited on Thursday by strong-to-stormy westerly winds in gullies and bowls and behind abrupt discontinuities in the terrain, also distant from ridgelines. Snowdrifts are small but, particularly on shady slopes, prone to triggering in isolated cases. Weak layers more deeply embedded inside the snowpack are unlike to trigger currently. Snow depths are highly varied. Below 1800 m there is very little snow on the ground. A gliding snowpack is no longer being observed.

On Saturday, frequent sunshine in the mountains, and good visibility. In high altitude Tauern terrain a brisk SW wind will be blowing. It will be relatively mild: at 2000 m, +5 degrees; at 3000 m: -1 degree.

No significant change. Temperatures will recede somewhat on Sunday.