Nock Mountains

Trigger-sensitive snowdrifts in gullies and on leeward slopes distant from ridges

Trigger-sensitive snowdrifts in gullies and on leeward slopes distant from ridges

Avalanche danger above the timberline is CONSIDERABLE, below that altitude LOW. Dangers focus on wind-loaded gullies directly adjacent to windblown zones and steep leeward slopes, also at forest edges. Due to repeatedly shifting wind influence, all aspects are at peril. Fresh snow covers the foehn-induced drifts from Wednesday and makes assessing the situation more difficult. Triggering a medium-to-large sized slab avalanche is possible even by minimum additional loading, i.e. the weight of one sole person.

Strong southerly foehn winds on Wednesday transported the fresh snow and created windblown zones. Snowdrifts deposited atop loosely-packed snow are prone to triggering. On Wednesday night, an additional 10-20 cm of fresh cold snow is anticipated which will again be transported, this time by strong NW winds.

On Thursday, visibility in the mountains will frequently be limited by heavy cloud and snowfall. Brisk to strong W/NW winds will be blowing. Temperature at 2000 m: -8 degrees. On Friday, good visibility, frequent sunshine. In the afternoon, high altitude cloud cover will move in from the west, create diffuse light conditions. Winds will shift to southwesterly, reach transport strength at high altitude. Temperature at 2000 m: -10 degrees.

No significant change. CONSIDERABLE slab avalanche danger above the timberline.