Nock Mountains

Instable slabs due to stormy winds, wet-snow problem at low altitudes

Instable slabs due to stormy winds, wet-snow problem at low altitudes

Avalanche danger above the treeline on shady slopes and otherwise above 1800 m is CONSIDERABLE, below that altitude danger is MODERATE. The storm will generate instable snowdrift accumulations (small-to-massive) in forest zones and distant from ridgelines, mostly triggerable by large additional loading, isolated through the weight of one sole person, can be small-to-medium size (latent persistent weak layer on north-facing slopes above 1800 m). Due to warmth, the layer of fresh snow will cause numerous small loose-snow avalanches in steep terrain. Also isolated glide-snow avalanches (possibly large) are possible on steep grass-covered slopes.

The 20-30 cm of fresh snow from Tuesday is being transported by strong winds, exposed terrain is windblown and hard, the freshly generated snowdrifts in zones distant from ridges are prone to triggering, deposited atop loose snow. Beneath the largely compact old snowpack surface, deep inside on north-facing slopes, there are faceted crystals forming weak layers which tend towards fracture propagation. Due to higher temperatures, the latest snowfall beneath 1800 m is superficially moist. Gliding movements are increasing over smooth ground.

Storm winds on Thursday! Especially at high altitudes, windspeeds over 100 km/hr can be reached. On top of that, instable weather conditions and variable visibility, with repeated bouts of showers. The snowfall level will initially lie over 2000 m, then descend as evening approaches to below 1500 m. Snow/rain will be minor. Temperature at 2000 m: 2 degrees at midday, at 3000 m: -5 degrees. On Friday, winds strong to stormy in high alpine regions, much quieter at lower altitudes. Visibility in the morning reduced, improving through sunshine as the day advances. Temperature at 2000 m: 2 degrees, at 3000 m: -4 degrees.

Still not optimal. Moderate wet-snow problem. CONSIDERABLE (3).