Nock Mountains

At high altitudes beware persistent weak layer

At high altitudes beware persistent weak layer

Above 2500 m in few places, weak layers in the old snowpack can trigger. Danger zones occur esp. on shady slopes in transitions from shallow to deeper snow, usually requiring large additional loading (low likelihood of triggering). Avalanches can grow to medium size. Below 2400 m glide snow activity can be expected due to rising temperatures. Glide-snow avalanches can reach medium size and release at any time of day, particularly on S/E facing slopes. Avoid zones below glide cracks. Towards evening, fresh trigger-sensitive snowdrifts will accumulate on N/E facing slopes. Danger zones primarily above 2000 m, behind protruberances, in gullies, bowls, increasingly frequent with ascending altitude. The releases are generally small-sized.

The lowermost part of the snowpack has numerous melt-freeze crusts between which are faceted crystals, esp. on north-facing slopes and at high altitudes. The weak layers are most prevalent on shady slopes with shallow snow. Fresh snowdrifts will be generated in the evening, often deposited atop loose snowpack surfaces.

On Saturday, residual cloud, possible light snowfall, reduced visibility. Conditions will improve from the west during the morning, a bit of sunshine is expected. In the afternoon, pleasant conditions. Winds relatively light, brisk southerly winds rising along the Main Alpine Ridge in the afternoon. At 2000 m: -3 degrees; at 3000 m: -9 degrees.

Snowdrift problem intensifying. Glide-snow activity increasing at low altitudes due to rain impact.