Nock Mountains

Poor visibility, heavy snowfall starting in evening

Poor visibility, heavy snowfall starting in evening

Avalanche danger is MODERATE (level 2). Two types of avalanches are possible. First, glide-snow avalanches on extremely steep grassy slopes (or in isolated cases over smooth rocks), usually small-sized, triggerable at any time of day or night, increasingly frequent in rainfall. Second, slab avalanches: snowdrifts can trigger as slab avalanches on some very-to-extremely steep slopes above the timberline, particularly in north and east-facing terrain, as small-to-medium sized releases. Ordinarily, large additional loading is necessary (several skiers or a fall), but in some circumstances one person can also trigger a slab avalanche.

The snowpack has settled well, the surface shows heavy marks of wind. Crests and ridges are often windblown, gullies and bowls deeply drifted. Small snowdrift patches alternate with knee-deep snow over small areas. Rocks and branches jut out through the snow. Starting at 1700m the snow is 70-120 cm deep, as long as it isn’t windblown. Significant weak layers are not evident, a slab could fracture most easily in the newest layer of fresh snow, the old snowpack shows no weakness of fracturing.

On Friday, poor visibility due to clouds and fog. Intermittent snowfall, becoming heavier in the evening, intensive in the Tauern and Lungau Nockberge. The snowfall level will lie initially at 900m (in the north) and 1500m (in the south). In the afternoon the snowfall level will descend, starting in the north. Winds will remain mostly light, only noticeable at high altitudes of the Tauern, shifting from southerly to northerly. Temperatures at 2000m: -5 to -1 degree; at 3000m: -8 to -3 degrees. On Friday night, intensive snowfall, little wind. On Saturday, very inhospitable conditions in the mountains. Fog and heavy snowfall will reduce visibility greatly. Heaviest snowfall is expected in Tauern and Lungau Nockberge (100 cm). In the Northern Alps, 30-50 cm is a realistic expection. During the course of the day, NW winds will gradually intensify, reach 50 km/hr by evening. Temperatures at 2000 m: -11 to -5 degrees; at 3000 m: -17 to -8 degrees.

On Friday night, large amounts of snowfall are anticipated. In Tauern and Lungau at least 100 cm of fresh snow is expected by Saturday evening, in the northern regions 30-50 cm. Winds will be northwesterly, intensifying during the course of the day. Presumably, the snow will be transported starting at midday. Avalanche danger levels will rise at least to considerable, due to fresh snow and the snowdrift problems.