Nock Mountains

Freshly generated snowdrifts require attentiveness

Freshly generated snowdrifts require attentiveness

Avalanche danger levels above the treeline are moderate, below that altitude danger is low. Snowdrifts of medium size can be triggered even by minimum additional loading above the treeline, particularly near to ridgelines on NW/N/SE facing slopes. Avalanche danger levels will increase during the daytime, particularly from the west. Above 2200m avalanches can trigger in more deeply embedded weak layers inside the snowpack and in isolated cases grow to large size. Especially in the afternoon, snowdrifts can be difficult to recognize due to poor visibility.

The fresh fallen snow has been heftily transported. Inside the fresh snow, short-lived weak layers are forming near the surface (graupel, decomposed snow). At low and intermediate altitudes the bonding is good. Above 2000m the fresh snow and drifts have often been deposited atop faceted crystals near crusts, in some places surface hoar has been blanketed on shady, wind-protected slopes above the treeline. On wind-protected shady slopes above the treeline there is often surface hoar. Above the treeline there is surface hoar evident. Above 2200m the snowpack layering is unfavorable, there are several weak layers of faceted crystals. The entire snowpack can glide away over steep rock places or grass-covered slopes.

On Monday, visibility until past noon will be acceptable, intermittent sunshine is possible. In the afternoon, visibility will deteriorate, clouds and fog will increase. Towards evening, snowfall will set in widespread. Amounts of fresh snowfall: 10 cm. Winds will be moderate to brisk from west to northwest. At 2000m: -10 degrees; at 3000m: -15 degrees.

On Tuesday avalanche danger levels will increase due to fresh snowfall and wind.