Nock Mountains

Snowdrift accumulations prone to triggering

Snowdrift accumulations prone to triggering

Avalanche danger above the treeline is CONSIDERABLE, below that altitude danger is low. Avalanche prone locations are found in all aspects and behind protruberances, particularly at forest rims, where snowdrift accumulations can be triggered by minimum additional loading (one single person, in ascent or descent). Slabs can become medium-sized avalanches.

Since the beginning of the week there has been 20 to 40 cm of fresh snow registred in several bouts. NW storm winds have generated snowdrift accumulations extending down to forested regions, deposited atop a cold snowbase and prone to triggering. The fresh snow now blankets older snowdrifts and crusts beneath which are soft, faceted-crystal layers which, however, can most likely fracture only by very large additional loading.

On Thursday, dry weather conditions will quickly become dry, visibility will initially be reduced but rapidly improve. Sun windows are possible. The strong NW winds will slacken off significantly during the daytime. It will become milder. At 2000 m: -5 to -1 degree. On Friday, sunny, with very good visibility. Winds will be light to moderate. At 2000 m: 0 degrees.

Little change. Steep wind-loaded slopes should be critically evaluated, even though the trigger-sensitivity will be slightly lower.