Nock Mountains

Fresh snowdrift accumulations at high altitudes

Fresh snowdrift accumulations at high altitudes

Avalanche danger is LOW. Weak layers in the old snow (above about 2500m) can be triggered in isolated cases, i.e. superficially release a freshly formed slab which then fractures down to a more deeply embedded layer. This applies particularly to wind-protected zones, areas at the foot of rock walls, and wind-protected bowls. The risks of taking a fall outweigh those of being buried in snow masses. From zones which have not yet discharged, smooth grassy slopes, rock plates, isolated small glide-snow avalanches can release particularly in the Northern Alps.

The snowpack at high altitudes shows pronounced effects of wind. Melt-freeze crusts and loose snow (10 cm in the Northern Alps) alternate over the smallest of spaces. Fresh drifts have been deposited in gullied and bowls and behind abrupt discontinuities in the terrain (also distant from ridglines) - often prone to triggering. Between shallow snowdrifts and melt-freeze crusts (on sunny slopes) there are soft layers embedded which tend to fracture only seldom. In addition, the required slab atop of it is usually lacking. Snow depths are below average. Below 1800 m there is hardly any snow on the ground.

During evening and night at high altitudes, a bit of fresh snow (5 cm) is anticipated. Winds will rapidly ease. On Friday the residual clouds will soon disperse, sunshine will follow, along with some cirrus clouds. Visibility will be good. Some foehn wind (30-40 km-hr). At 2000 m: 1-4 degrees; at 3000 m: -3 degrees. On Saturday, sunshine and good visibility. High-altitude cloudbanks might dampen the brightness somewhat. Southerly foehn wind (30-40 km/hr). At 2000 m: +5 degrees; at 3000 m: -1 degree.

No significant change.