Nock Mountains

NW-wind generated snowdrift accumulations

NW-wind generated snowdrift accumulations

Danger of avalanches is MODERATE. Avalanche prone locations focus on gullies in all aspects and wind-loaded steep slopes, fresh snowdrifts found increasingly frequent in E/S aspects. The shallow-snow transition zones are especially treacherous. Triggering a small-to-medium sized slab avalanche is possible there by large additional loading, where snow is shallow in transition zones even by minimum additional loading from the drifted zones.

The strong winds which frequently changed directions have left their marks on the snowpack, generated snowdrift accumulations in all aspects. Most recently, NW winds and rising temperatures have formed compact snowdrift masses. Snow quality is far better in wind-protected zones, here there is powder. Bonding of individual snowdrifts deteriorates with ascending altitude. Weak faceted laysers are evident in the snowpack fundment on shady slopes above 2300 m.

On Wednesday, dense cloud and fog will persist to begin with. In the course of the afternoon the clouds will disperse, visibility improve and the sun come out In exposed terrain, esp. in the Tauern regions, a moderate NW wind will be blowing at 30-40 km/hr. At 2000 m: -3 degrees. On Thursday, mostly adequate visibilit. In the afternoon, heavy cloud cover will move in from the north, possibly limiting visibility in the Tauern region, the Nockberge will remain favourable. Winds at brisk to strong velocity from the north. At 2000 m: -3 degrees.

Little change.