Nock Mountains

Gradual increase in avalanche danger

Heavy snowfall will continue, accompanied by intensifying NW winds on Friday. Further rise in avalanche danger levels.

Gradual increase in avalanche danger

Avalanche danger above 2000 m is MODERATE, reaching CONSIDERABLE danger above 2200 in the afternoon. Fresh snow and freshly generated snowdrifts at high altitude (>2000m) are easily triggered in some places in all aspects. Danger zones are not visible to the naked eye, increase with ascending altitude. As of afternoon, danger zones will increase in frequency and size as the snowfall continues. Isolated naturally triggered avalanches are then possible above 2600 m, most of them medium-sized, but sometimes large if they sweep away more deeply embedded layers of the snowpack. Highly unfavourable conditions for backcountry tours. In addition, on previously bare grassy slopes below 2400 m, the danger of glide-snow avalanches will increase. Isolated small-to-medium sized naturally triggered glide-snow avalanches are possible.

On Tuesday night, heavy and persistent precipitation will set in, as snow above 1000 m. By Thursday midday, 20-30 cm of fresh snow is expected, but evening on Friday overall 40-60 cm. Winds on Wednesday night will be strong from NW, slacken off early Thursday morning but still be strong on the Main Alpine Ridge. The weight of the fresh snow will increase the proneness to triggering of the snowpack. Fresh snow and drifts will bond insufficiently with the snowpack and with each other, esp. at high altitudes. Above 2600 m there are expansively metamorphosed (faceted) layers bordering against melt-freeze crusts in the upper part of the snowpack which will be further weakened by the fresh fallen snow. At intermediate altitudes and also on sunny slopes higher up (>2000m) the fresh snow will fall on bare ground, where on steep grassy slopes gliding snow masses can be expected.

On Thursday, poor conditions!. Visibility reduced from the start. Most precipitation expected in the Tauern and Nockberge, heavy and intensive. Snowfall level will be at 800-1000 m. In the Tauern, brisk to strong northerly winds. At 2000 m: -5 degrees; at 3000 m: -12 degrees.