Nock Mountains

Some snowdrift accumulations, small danger zones in the old snow

Some snowdrift accumulations, small danger zones in the old snow

As of the timberline, avalanche danger is MODERATE, below that altitude danger is LOW. Two sources of risk for winter sports enthusiasts to unleash avalanches: The snowdrifts are easy to recognize, esp. on N/E/S facing slopes and near ridgelines. A small slab in very steep terrain (>35°) can be loosed by one sole person. Second, the old snowpack is of poor quality, particularly on shady slopes. A slab can grow to medium size.As a result of the rising temperatures and solar radiation, very isolated and small naturally triggered avalanches are possible on south-facing slopes.

The overall snow depths amount to 20-60 cm. Often there is fine powder snow, in some places the terrain is windblown and bare of snow utterly. The layering is often unfavourable. The snow is expansively metamorphosed (faceted) down towards the ground and has embedded melt-freeze crusts. Near forests and in wind-protected zones, the surface hoar has often been blanket by fresh snow.

On Wednesday in the Tauern and Lungau Nockberge, decent visibility with dispersed clouds, intermittent sunshine. In the Northern Alps, clouds are heavier, light snowfall is possible. Winds will be light to moderate from south to west. At 2000 m: -4 to 0 degrees; at 3000 m, -6 degrees. On Thursday the peaks of the Northern Alps will be shrouded in heavy cloud, dispersing over the course of the morning. In inneralpine regions the day will begin with good visibility and sunshine, but in the afternoon an intermediate-altitude layer of cloud will generate diffuse visibility. Moderately-strong SW winds will be blowing. At 2000 m: -2 to +1 degree; at 3000 m, between -7 and -2 degrees.

Little change is anticipated.