Nock Mountains

Avoid snowdrifts above timberline, caution urged towards gliding snow

Avoid snowdrifts above timberline, caution urged towards gliding snow

Storm winds, fresh snow and higher temperatures as of Tuesday afternoon/evening have generated compact snowdrift masses between the treeline and the summit zones. This applies to gullies, bowls and leeward terrain, particularly above 2000 m where large additional loading can trigger a slab. Second danger. On very steep grass-covered slopes, small-to-medium sized glide-snow avalanches can release naturally.

Prior to 25 November the ground was bare. Snow further up was 20-60 cm deep in several layers, the most compact on the upper surface. Striking weak layers were not evident, but the uppermost layer deposited on top of loose and cold snow is in principle prone to triggering. Exposed zones are utterly windblown, gullies and bowls above the timberline are filled to the brim. Over warm and smooth ground surfaces, the snowpack is gliding.

Wednesday will begin with heavy cloud cover and some snowfall (snowfall level at 1400 m). Soon, dry weather will set in, visibility will improve, some sunshine is expected for a few hours. Westerly to southerly winds will be blowing at 30-40 km/hr. At 2000 m, +1 degree.

On Friday the danger of slab avalanches from triggering snowdrifts will diminish but some gliding snow activity will persist.