Nock Mountains

Glide-snow avalanches are still a threat

Glide-snow avalanches are still a threat

Avalanche danger above the trereline is moderate, below that altitude danger is low. Main problem: snowdrifts. Above 2000 m the fresh snowdrifts esp. on N/S facing slopes are prone to treiggering. Avalanches in many places can be triggered by 1 person and are usually small-sized. Below 2200 m the gliding snow activity will persist. Danger zones occur in all aspects. Glide-snow avalanches can release on steep grassy slopes and smooth rocky ground at any time of day and reach medium size. Avoid zones below glide cracks.

Through the winds, the fresh snow can still be transported. Above the treeline, a melt-freeze crust will form. Soft layers below it will become weak layers. Since the snowpack is thoroughly wet at low/intermediate altitudes (the first snow was deposited on very warm ground) the entire snowpack can glide over smooth ground (grass, rocks) if the gradient is steep enough.

On Sunday, sunshine all day except for some harmless clouds. Good visibility. Light winds from varying directions (NW on Main Alpine Ridge at 30 km/hr). Very mild: 4-7 degrees at 2000 m.

The warmth will help the snowpack to settle further, the snowdrift problem will diminish. The glide-snow avalanches will persist.