Nock Mountains

Snowdrift accumulations trigger-sensitive in places

Snowdrift accumulations trigger-sensitive in places

Avalanche danger above above the treeline is moderate, below that altitude danger is low. Fresh snowdrift accumulations can be triggered by 1 person in some places, often small releases, sometimes medium. Particularly near wooded zones, the drifts can be deposited on surface hoar and very trigger-prone. Older drifts usually triggerable only be large additional loading. The drifts are easily recognized for the experienced. Avoid them in steep ridgeline terrain (>30°). Through the higher temperatures, naturally triggered loose-snow avalanches can be expected in extremely steep terrain, releases mostly small. A certain danger of naturally triggered glide-snow avalanches persists. Where snow is deep enough, they can reach medium size. Avoid zones below glide cracks.

The snowpack surface is lavishly covered with surface hoar where the terrain is wind-protected. Large crystals and surface hoar have formed a weak layer, the drifts constitute the slab. Older snowdrift accumulations unlikely to trigger, only by large additional loading, otherwise the old snowpack is stable. The snow base is still moist, reinforcing the tendency of the entire snowpack to glide downhill over smooth ground (rocks, grass).

On Wednesday, high-altitude clouds, diffuse light conditions but adequate visibility. Winds will be moderate to brisk from W/SW, strong at high altitudes in the Tauern. Noticeably higher temperatures: at 2000 m +3 - +4 degrees.

Avalanche danger levels will rise as Thursday nears.