Nock Mountains

Freshly generated snowdrifts require attentiveness

Freshly generated snowdrifts require attentiveness

Avalanche danger levels above the treeline are moderate, below that altitude danger is low. Snowdrifts are the major problem. Slab. avalanches of medium size can be triggered even by minimum additional loading, particularly near to ridgelines on N/E/SW facing slopes. Danger zones are difficult to recognize due to diffuse light conditions.

The fresh fallen snow has been heftily transported. Inside the fresh snow, short-lived weak layers are forming near the surface. At low and intermediate altitudes the old snowpack is generally well consolidated. Above 2000m the fresh snow and drifts are often faceted near crusts. In some places on shady wind-protected slopes above the treeline, surface hoar has formed. The entire snowpack can glide over steep rock plates or grassy slopes.

On Saturday morning, mostly light clouds and good visibility with intermittent sunshine. In the afternoon, dense clouds will move in, fog at higher altitudes. Winds will be light to moderate, mostly westerly. At 2000m: from -9 to 6 degrees; at 3000m: -11 degrees. On Saturday night cloud cover will become more dense, after midnight initial showers can set in, snowfall level at 1500m.

On Sunday, fresh snowfall and winds will lead to increasing avalanche danger levels.