Nock Mountains

Some snowdrift accumulations, small danger zones in the old snow

Some snowdrift accumulations, small danger zones in the old snow

Starting at the timberline, avalanche danger is MODERATE, below that altitude danger is LOW. Two sources of risk for winter sports enthusiasts: easily recognized are the snowdrifts on north-facing and east-facing slopes. A small slab can be unleashed in steep terrain (as of 35°) even by one sole skier. Second: the old snowpack is of poor quality, particularly on shady slopes. A slab can grow to medium size.Glide cracks can open, but the snowpack is too shallow for major releases.

The overall snow depths lie between 20 and 60 cm. There is often fine powder snow, but in places the terrain is windblown bare. The snowpack layering is currently unfavourable. The snow is often expansively metamorphosed (faceted) down to the ground, with embedded melt-freeze crusts. At forest edges and in wind-protected terrain, the surface hoar has often been blanketed by fresh snow.

On Thursday, good visibility, frequent sunshine. Towards evening, clouds will move in. Winds will be brisk from the southeast. At 2000 m: -2 degrees. On Friday, cloudy skies, the peaks often veiled. Winds will be light. At 2000 m: -3 degrees.

Little change is anticipated. Over the next few days, only a few centimetres of snowfall is expected.