Nock Mountains

Fresh snowdrift accumulations esp. along the Main Alpine Ridge and Northern Alps

Fresh snowdrift accumulations esp. along the Main Alpine Ridge and Northern Alps

Avalanche danger above the treeline is MODERATE, below that altitude danger is LOW. Fresh snowdrift accumulations which have been generated since Wednesday afternoon, esp. along the Main Alpine Ridge and at high altitudes in the Northern Alps, can in places be triggered even by the weight of one sole skier and release a medium-sized avalanche. Danger zones occur mostly in ridgeline terrain and pass areas as well as behind abrupt discontinuties in the terrain on W/N/NE facing slopes. In the foehn lanes this could also apply to east-facing gullies which were filled laterally by winds with drifts. Danger zones are easily recognized and should be circumvented. In addition, naturally triggered glide-snow avalanches of medium size are possible on steep grassy slopes in all aspects, mostly in south-facing terrain, below 2400 m. Zones below glide cracks should be avoided whenever possible.

The snowpack has settled well widespread, Fresh snow and drifts are well bonded with the snowpack. Freshly generated drifts lie on leeward slopes, but atop a loose snowpack surface and are prone to triggering in places. On south-facing slopes in steep terrain there is a thin melt-freeze crust on the surface. In other aspects there is often good powder in wind-protected terrain.

Also on Thursday, perfect skiing weather conditions, with lots of sunshine and good visibility above the fogbanks. In the early part of the day, brisk S/SE winds which will then ease. At 2000 m, temperatures will rise slightly: between -10 and -5 degrees; at 3000 m: -11 degrees.

The snowdrifts from Wednesday and Thursday will bond with the snowpack only slowly, in places they will remain prone to triggering. Slightly decreasing danger inside the same danger level.