Nock Mountains

Fresh wind slab snow overlays persistent weak layer problem

Fresh wind slab snow overlays persistent weak layer problem

The avalanche risk is moderate above 1800 metres and low below. Especially in the sectors from north-west to north to south-east, slab avalanches can be triggered by individuals in some places. Avalanches in wind slabs usually remain small. Avalanches that are triggered in persistent weak layers in deep weak layers or tear through these weak layers can reach medium size. Be careful in particular near transitions from little to more snow and in the blown-in entrance areas to steep gullies. Avalanche prone locations are sometimes difficult to recognise and require a defensive route choice. In areas bordering on the "considerable" avalanche prone location, avalanches are more frequent and can become larger.

During the night to Sunday, up to 10 cm of new fallen snow fell on a surface that varied on a small scale. Within the snowpack, bonded snow overlaid soft, angular layers. In wind-protected, shady areas above around 2000 metres, surface hoar has also been snowed in in places. Fractures occur either in soft layers near the surface or around the crust that forms the transition to the completely built-up old snow foundation. In general, areas with little snow alternate with sometimes considerable snowdrift accumulations in a confined space, with overall snow depths well below average.

A cold front moves through during the night. The north-westerly wind freshens up and blows strongly in the Niedere Tauern and the Nockberge for a longer period of time. The amount of new snow will be a few centimetres in the Nockberge and around 10 cm on the main ridge. On Sunday, visibility will be limited by clouds and fog in the morning. It may also snow a little. Visibility will improve significantly from the south-west from midday and the afternoon will bring widespread good visibility and sunshine. At 2000 metres around -10 degrees, at 3000 metres around -14 degrees. A strong north-westerly wind will blow, which will ease considerably towards the evening.

Fresh snowdrift accumulations continue to develop, the persistent weak layer problem remains.