Nock Mountains

Avoid prone to triggering wind slabs

Avoid prone to triggering wind slabs

The avalanche risk is moderate above the tree line. Wind slabs can be triggered as small or medium-sized slabs in all aspects, even with low loads. Avalanche prone locations are mainly in gullies, bowls and behind terrain edges (also distant from ridgelines), as well as on and below cornices.

Take particular care on very steep west, north and east-facing slopes above around 2000 metres, especially where there is a transition from little to more snow. There are still isolated trigger points lurking in the persistent weak layer.

The snow surface is variable and characterised by storms. Drift snow packs are usually easily recognisable, but the unfavourable old snowpack underneath is not. Breaks are possible between the drift snow layers and at the transition to the persistent weak layer. The old snowpack is particularly weakened on western, northern and eastern slopes above around 2000 metres due to layers of faceted crystals and deep frost as well as a foundation of floating snow close to the ground.

Mostly dense clouds will continue to predominate on Thursday. It may snow sporadically, but the southern side of the Alps should remain dry. The wind will be moderately strong. At 2000 metres, the temperature will be around -6 degrees.

Mixed weather leads to a slow reduction in avalanche danger.