Nock Mountains

Fresh snowdrifts easily triggered

Fresh snowdrifts easily triggered

Avalanche danger above 1800 m is CONSIDERABLE, below that altitude danger is MODERATE. Main problem: freshly generated snowdrift accumulations. Slabs can trigger by minimum additional loading and grow to large size. If visibility permits, drifts are easily recognized. Winter sports in outlying terrain require much experience and self-restraint in route selection. Heed imperative to danger signs, e.g. whumpf noises, shooting cracks, snow plumes. In steep terrain, naturally triggered loose-snow avalanches are possible, also slablike releases. Glide-snow activity are still a threat. Snow can glide naturally over steep smooth ground, mostly small releases but can grow to large size. Avoid zones below glide-cracks.

The fresh snow from Friday (40-80 cm) has already settled somewhat. Southerly foehn winds have transported the loose snow, generated snowdrift accumulations or a slab. The fresh snow beneath this serves as a weak layer. Weak layers in the old snow are possible on north-facing slopes above 2400 m (also on south-facing high-alpine slopes), unlikely to trigger.

Along the Hohe Tauern and Nockberge, heavy clouds are still moving in, reducing visibility, bringing occasional snowfall (max 10 cm). Winds are moderate to brisk from the south (70 km/hr in the foehn lanes). At 2000 m: -6 to -2 degrees; at 3000 m: -10 degrees.

The longer the foehn persists, the more fresh drifts accumulate. Thus, danger remains considerable.