Nock Mountains

Glide-snow avalanches and wet loose-snow avalanches in the afternoon

Glide-snow avalanches and wet loose-snow avalanches in the afternoon

LOW avalanche danger, MODERATE danger in the afternoon. Due to daytime warming, likelihood of triggerings increases, mostly small wet loose-snow avalanches. A soft, weak snowpack is indicative of rising danger. On steep smooth grassy slopes below 2000 m, naturally triggered glide-snow avalanches are possible at any time of day or night which can reach medium size. Pass through terrain below glide cracks as quickly as possible.

The snowpack is quite stable. More deeply embedded layers in the old snow (faceted crystals, also melt-freeze crusts) are unlikely to trigger. Strong westerly winds are not transporting much loose snow. Small snowdrift patches lie deposited atop a favourable snowpack surface. On sunny slopes, a melt-freeze crust can form at night which is capable of bearing loads. Due to higher daytime temperatures the snowpack softens up and thereby loses its firmness. On shady slopes, a wind crust is usually evident, on leeward slopes there is still settled powder.

On Tuesday, sunshine and good visibility. Winds will be light to moderate. At 2000 m: +3 degrees; at 3000 m: -2 degrees.

No significant change is expected in avalanche danger levels.