Nock Mountains

Avalanche prone locations in persistent weak layers are rare but have serious consequences

Avalanche prone locations in persistent weak layers are rare but have serious consequences

The avalanche risk is moderate above 2000 metres and low below that. Above 2000 m, in the aspects from west to north to east, medium and occasionally large slab avalanches can be triggered by individuals in a few places. Such avalanche prone locations are rare but not recognisable in the terrain. Take particular care at the transitions from little to more snow. Above 2200 m, avalanches can still be triggered by individuals in wind slabs in a few places, in particular in the aspects from north-west to north to north-east. Danger areas are located behind terrain edges and in steep gullies and bowls. Avalanches can occasionally reach medium size.

It is snowing unproductively. New and wind slab snow have mostly stabilised well. Only in shady high altitudes is wind slab snow lying on soft, faceted snow in places. Deeper in the snowpack, faceted crystals can be found on crusts; close to the ground, the snowpack consists of angular, cup-shaped crystals. The connection at the transition to the deep snow near the ground is still poor. Deep and sunny middle layers are once again bare.

On Saturday, visibility will often be limited by dense clouds and sunny spells will be rare. At first it may rain or snow lightly, especially in the northern Alps, with showers becoming more frequent in the afternoon on the main Alpine ridge and in the Nockberge mountains. Snow will fall above around 1200 metres. The wind will blow weakly to moderately from the north-east. Temperatures will be around -3 degrees at 2000 metres and -10 degrees at 3000 metres.

Gradual settlement of the snowdrift accumulations. Gradual settlement of the snowdrift accumulations.