Nock Mountains

Pay heed to dangers of falling

Pay heed to dangers of falling

Avalanche danger is moderate above the treeline, below that altitude danger is low. Fresh and older snowdrift accumulations can be triggered by 1 person in some places and release a slab, usually small sized, sometimes medium. Most danger zones are above the treeline on N/E facing slopes and in wind-loaded gullies.

Isolated glide-snow avalanches are still a threat, despite lower temperatures. Where snow depths are sufficient, large-sized avalanches are possible (most medium-sized). Avoid zones below glide cracks.

Irregular snowpack surface, occasional powder. Weak layer: the soft lacer beneath the melt-freeze crust (wind crusts and rain-ice crusts) is the likeliest weak layer below the fresh snow and drifts from Friday. The loose snowslides over the latest melt-freeze crust surface. Older snowdrift accumulations unlikely to trigger, only by large additional loading, otherwise the old snowpack is stable.

On Monday, heavy cloudbanks from the west will move in, only brief sunshine. As of midday skies will be overcast, but the peaks will remain in the clear, visibility adequate but diffuse. Mostly light winds. Mild. At 2000 m: 6 degrees. On Monday night a cold front will pass through.

On Tuesday, strong westerly winds and some fresh snow will generate new snowdrift accumulations near to and distant from ridgeline terrain.