Nock Mountains

Caution urged in transitions from shallow to deeper snow

Persistent weak layer problem will gradually recede as snowpack settles

Caution urged in transitions from shallow to deeper snow

Avalanche danger above 2000m is moderate, below that altitude danger is low. Slabs can be triggered even by one sole skier on W/N/E facing slopes. Size and frequency of danger zones tend to increase with ascending altitude. Danger zones are nearly impossible to recognize in open terrain. Whumpf noises and cracks when you tread upon the snowpack, as well as fresh avalanche releases, are alarm signals and indicate imminent danger. In addition, snowdrift accumulations in the near-surface layers can be triggered in some places, releases mostly small. Naturally triggered glide-snow avalanches are possible.

Inside the old snowpack on very steep shady slopes there are weak layers of faceted crystals, snowdrifts form the slab at surface level. On the one hand, the snow was able to metamorhose esp. where snow is shallow; on the other, below the near-surface melt-freeze crust there are also faceted crystals. On shady slopes there is still loose snow evident, on sunny slopes firn conditions are being generated.

On Sunday, cloudless skies will extend over the mountains, only near the valley floors will fogbanks limit the visibility somewhat. Winds will be mostly light. At 2000m: -1 degree; at 3000m: -8 degrees.