Nock Mountains

Combined wet and persistent weak layer problem

Combined wet and persistent weak layer problem

The avalanche risk is moderate. In a few places, spontaneous wet snow avalanches as well as those triggered by people can occur in all aspects below around 2200 m, which usually remain medium-sized. Gliding avalanches also occur in very steep grassy terrain. In addition, medium to large dry slab avalanches can be triggered by individuals in a few places, especially on shady slopes above the tree line. Most likely at the transition from little to more snow. Danger areas are difficult to recognise, which is why defensive route selection is still advised.

On the sunny slopes, the snowpack is briefly covered with a (more or less stable) melt-freeze crust, below which it is moist to wet up to high altitudes. On the shady slopes, soft, dry snow can still be found from around 1800 metres. The new and wind slab snow of the last week has settled and is often well connected to each other. However, the connection to the angular persistent weak layer below is still poor in places.

Extensive clouds in medium-high layers will pass through during the night. On Monday, denser clouds and patches of high fog may initially cause visibility to be restricted more often. After longer sunny spells, denser cumulus clouds will develop during the day, especially in the Hohe and Niedere Tauern and the Lungauer Nockberge mountains, with isolated short showers possible. Snow will fall up to around 1700 metres. The wind will be mostly light from east to south. Temperatures at 2000 m around 0 degrees, at 3000 m around -6 degrees.

The persistent weak layer problem is only slowly weakening and remains insidious. There will be slight daytime changes on Tuesday.