Nock Mountains

Avalanche prone locations increasing in size and in number to Danger Level 2, moderate, during the afternoon

Avalanche prone locations increasing in size and in number to Danger Level 2, moderate, during the afternoon

Avalanche danger is rising in the afternoon due to some fresh snow and wind. In the morning, danger stems from small, fresh snowdrift masses which can be triggered even by minimum additional loading in some places. Danger zones are to be found particularly in summit zones and on north-facing and east-facing ridgeline slopes. Avalanche releases will remain small sized. The risks of being swept along and forced to take a fall due to a release in steep terrain (>40°) outweigh those of being buried in snow masses. In the afternoon: intensifying NW winds will generate new, trigger-sensitive snowdrift accumulations. these will grow as snowfall sets in and become dangerous for winter sports enthusiasts. Avalanche prone locations are found above the timberline, in wind-protected zones behind abrupt discontinuities in the terrain and in gullies and bowls. They are difficult to recognize.

The snowpack layering is currently unfavourable due to the shallowness of the snow cover. The snow is expansively metamorphosed (faceted) down to the ground, riddled with embedded melt-freeze crusts. On the surface there is surface hoar, particularly near forest zones, also in wind-protected areas above the treeline. New snow and snowdrifts are being deposited atop this weak snowpack surface and are correspondingly trigger-sensitive. The situation on sunny slopes is somewhat better, also wherever the wind has generated an irregular distribution of snow.

Saturday: mountains shrouded in heavy fog, a small amount of snowfall in the morning, getting heavier in the afternoon. At high altitudes, moderately-strong NW winds will come up. At 2000 m: temperatures dropping from -3 to -8 degrees; at 3000 m, -8 degrees. Sunday: the peaks will still be cloaked in clouds, a bit of intermittent snowfall. At high altitudes, the NW winds will reach speeds of 80 km/hr, thus transporting the snow. It is very cold. At 2000 m, -13 degrees; at 3000 m, -17 degrees. The temperatures are further sharpened by the wind.

Avalanche danger will increase on Saturday night. Fresh fallen snow and moderate-to-strong NW winds and low temperatures will lead to intensive snow transport. Fresh snow and fresh snowdrifts deposited atop the old snowpack are highly trigger-sensitive.