Nock Mountains

NW-wind generated snowdrift accumulations

NW-wind generated snowdrift accumulations

Danger of avalanches is MODERATE. Avalanche prone locations focus on gullies in all aspects and wind-loaded steep slopes, fresh snowdrifts found increasingly frequent in E/S aspects. The shallow-snow transition zones are especially treacherous. Triggering a small-to-medium sized slab avalanche is possible there by large additional loading, where snow is shallow in transition zones even by minimum additional loading from the drifted zones.

The strong winds which frequently changed directions have left their marks on the snowpack, generated snowdrift accumulations in all aspects. Most recently, NW winds and rising temperatures have formed compact snowdrift masses. Snow quality is far better in wind-protected zones, here there is powder. Bonding of individual snowdrifts deteriorates with ascending altitude. Weak faceted laysers are evident in the snowpack fundment on shady slopes above 2300 m.

On Thursday, generally good visibility. In the afternoon, clouds will move in from the north gradually, impedig visibility in the Tauern as well. The Nockberge will remain favoured. Winds will be brisk to strong from the north. At 2000 m: -3 degrees. On Friday, increasingly stormy northerly foehn wind (50.-70 km/hr) amid sunny weather and temperatures of -2 degrees at 2000 m.

On Friday, fresh danger zones will be generated by northerly-foehn generated snowdrifts in expended southern aspects and in gullies.