Nock Mountains

Trigger-sensitive snowdrift masses in wind-protected zones

Trigger-sensitive snowdrift masses in wind-protected zones

Avalanche danger above the treeline is MODERATE, below that altitude dange is LOW. A slab can be triggered even by minimum additional loading in steep terrain. Danger zones occur mostly near ridgelines, in steep gullies and leeward bowls. In the Tauern, superficial avalanches can fracture down to more deeply embedded layers inside the snowpack and grow to large size.

The fresh fallen snow from the beginning of this week has settled, but is still loose. Due to nights of clear skies, thin melt-freeze crusts have formed which is then blanketed by snowdrifts. The fresh snowdrifts are prone to triggering, whereas older snowdrifts are generally well bonded with the old snowpack. Inside the old snowpack are weak layers bordering melt-freeze crusts and in the depth hoar of the fundament.

On Saturday, visibility in the mountains will frequently be reduced due to heavy clouds. In the morning hours, light snowfall is possible over widespread areas, in the afternoon hours it will remain dry by and large, apart from the northern barrier cloud regions. Winds will be light to moderate, in the Lungau Nockberge and Radstadt Tauern also blowing at brisk strength from northerly directions. At 2000 m: -11 degrees; at 3000 m: -13 degrees. On Sunday, reduced visibility to start with at low altitudes due to high fogbanks, abofe them the day will launch with lots of sunshine. The pleasant conditions with good visibility are expected to persist through the next few days.

On Sunday, no change. On Monday, rising avalanche danger levels due to snowfall and wind.