Nock Mountains

Superficial moistening of snowpack

Superficial moistening of snowpack

Avalanche danger is LOW. Main problem: moistening of the snowpack. In very steep terrain, superficial wet loose-snow avalanches or small glide-snow avalanches are possible. In shallow-snow transition zones from shallow to deeper snow (e.g. in gullies, behind protruberances) a dry snow slab could be released in extremely steep terrain by large additional loading (persistent weak layer).

Minor rainfall below 1800m moistens the snowpack superficially. It bears the marks of storm-strength wintery winds and a long period of dryness. The surfaces are often melt-freeze encrusted or hardened, the depths far below average. Above the treeline the terrain is windblown. In the old snow there are soft layers of faceted crystals which are unlikely to trigger except in isolated cases.

Rainfall on Wednesday in early morning and later on, snowfall level at 1700 m. Heavy cloud cover will reduce visibility. At high altitudes, 5-15 cm of fresh snow, accompanied by N/NW winds (gusts up to 40 km/hr). As of midday, dry weather will reign, clouds will disperse. At 2000 m: 0 to +3 degrees. Following a night of clear skies, on Thursday it will be sunny. Winds will be moderate from W/NW. At 2000 m: 2 to 5 degrees.

Daytime cycle of naturally triggered avalanches: caution.