Nock Mountains

Weak layering of old snowpack is main problem

Weak layering of old snowpack is main problem

Avalanche danger levels above 2200m are moderate, below that altitude danger is low. Avalanches of medium size can be triggered even by minimum additional loading in some places above 2200m, particularly on W/N/SE facing slopes and in transitions from shallow to deep snow. Danger zones increase with ascending altitude. Avalanches can reach medium size.

The snow on sunny slopes and at low altitudes can form a melt-freeze crust at night which then softens during the daytime. Exposed ridges and crests are windblown, gullies, bowls and slopes near forest rims are filled with snow. The transported snow has settled in the interim. On shady slopes the fresh snow is still loose, the snowpack was able to repeatedly metamorphose expansively. Above 2200m the snowpack layering is generally unfavorable, several weak layers of faceted crystals are evident. Especially on north-facing slopes the covered surface hoar is prone to triggering.

Following a night of frequently clear skies on Thursday, high-altitude clouds will soon move in, as of midday covering the sun. Light conditions will be increasingly diffuse. During the course of the day, brisk SW winds will arise, temperatures will drop from +2 to -2 degrees at 2000m; from -5 to -7 degrees at 3000m. On Thursday night, minor snowfall accompanied by strong-velocity NW winds.

On Friday, fresh snowfall to increase the number of avalanche prone locations