Nock Mountains

Fresh and older snowdrift accumulations still trigger-sensitive in places

Fresh and older snowdrift accumulations still trigger-sensitive in places

Freshly formed snowdrift masses generated by northerly foehn winds - and also somewhat older snowdrift accumulations from last week - can be triggered even by one single winter sports enthusiast and in isolated cases grow to medium size. Danger zones are found on all aspects near ridgelines, behind abrupt discontinuities in the terrain and in gullies and bowls. The snowdrift accumulations are generally easy to recognize.

The overall snow depth: 20 - 40 cm. Only a small amount of fresh snow has been added to that. The snowpack layering in the still shallow snow cover is frequently unfavourable. The snow cover is expansively metamorphosed (faceted) nearly down to the ground, including embedded melt-freeze crusts. Near forested zones and in wind-protected areas the surface hoar has been blanketed by fresh snowfall. Fresh snow and drifts are being deposited atop this weak old snowpack surface, it is prone to triggering. The situation on sunny slopes is somewhat better, especially where the wind has generated a more irregular distribution of snow.

Tuesday: mostly sunshine. At high altitudes of the Tauern, southerly winds will reach speeds of 40 km/hr. Temperatures will rise, at 2000 m from -11 to -6 degrees; at 3000 m from -7 to -12 degrees. Wednesday: in Tauern and Nockberge, intermittent sunshine with some dispersed clouds. In the Northern Alps, clouds will be heavier, a bit of snowfall/rainfall is possible in the afternoon. Southerly winds will make it milder. At 2000 m: 0 degrees; at 3000 m; -6 degrees.

Gradually decreasing danger due to rising temperatures.