Nock Mountains

Isolated avalanche prone locations at high altitudes

Isolated avalanche prone locations at high altitudes

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. Caution is urged particularly in terrain where it is possible to take a fall. Weak layers in the old snow can be triggered in isolated cases, i.e. superficially release a freshly formed slab which then fractures down to a more deeply embedded layer. This applies particularly to wind-protected zones, areas at the foot of rock walls, and wind-protected bowls in northern aspects (NE-N-NW) above 2500 m. Avalanches which release rarely attain medium size.

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 Sunday, clouds and sunshine will alternate. Particularly in the latter part of the day, cloud cover will get heavier, visibility deteriorate. On the Main Alpine Ridge, a bit of initial snowfall. At 2000 m: between -2 and +1 degree, at 3000 m at -4 degrees.

On Sunday night, precipitation will set in. By Monday midday, 10-15 cm of fresh snow is expected, accompanied by strong W/NW winds. Fresh snow and freshly generated snowdrifts will be deposited on top of a weak old snowpack surface. Avalanche danger will increase.