Nock Mountains

Assess with caution trigger-sensitive snowdrift accumulations

Assess with caution trigger-sensitive snowdrift accumulations

Avalanche danger above the treeline is moderate, below that altitude danger is low. Avalanches can in some zones be triggered by one sole skier, and grow to medium size. Danger zones occur on north-facing slopes above 2200m. Snowdrift accumulations are occur often distant from ridgelines, behind protruberances in the terrain and in gullies and bowls. Medium sized glide-snow avalanches can trigger naturally in very to extremely steep grass-covered terrain.Avalanche danger is moderate. Small-to-medium glide-snow avalanches can trigger naturally on extremely steep grass-covered slopes. On extremely steep slopes, naturally triggered loose-snow avalanches can be expected.

Since Friday evening 30-50cm of fresh snow has been registered accompanied by lots of wind. Inside the fresh snow and snowdrifts there are soft layers of loose snow or graupel, and also in transitions to the old snow. On north-facing slopes above 2200m there are weak layers of faceted crystals which are embedded between crusts. Below 2000m the old snow is moist, has often formed a crust.

During the nocturnal hours, snow showers will taper off. On Wednesday, residual clouds and high fog will disperse in the morning, sunshine will follow, with good visibility. Moderate easterly winds will prevail, brisker on the northern rim of the Alps. At 2000m: -4 to 0 degrees; at 3000m. -7 degrees.

Proneness of snowdrifts triggering will decrease gradually, wet-snow problems will increase