On the SE slope of Triangel, a medium-sized ground avalanche released on March 2, 2026, which was observed by a mountaineer during the ascent towards Šentanski plaz. The event coincides with weather conditions that are distinctly unfavorable for the stability of the snowpack in these days: nighttime temperatures at Zelenica did not drop below zero, and in the afternoon, the area was hit by rain, which heavily loaded the already saturated snow.
Location and extent of the avalanche
The avalanche released on the SE slope of Triangel. According to the description, it was a ground avalanche that also carried some grass and soil with it. The avalanche debris slid quickly towards the forest and, according to estimates, may have reached the service road running below the slope.
Such avalanches are characteristic of periods when the snowpack detaches from the base due to heat and precipitation, often over its entire depth.
Conditions in the snowpack
At an altitude of approximately 1500 m, a snow profile was taken, which showed: a weak layer at a depth of 30–40 cm, the upper layer completely wet snow, fracture of the upper layer already during the excavation of the CT profile, indicating pronounced instability.
This confirms that the snow was severely weakened due to high temperatures and rain. Similar conditions were recorded elsewhere in the Karawanks at the beginning of March 2026, where the general avalanche danger was level 2, but with warnings of rapid deterioration of stability in lower and southern aspects.
Weather influences
The combination of factors created ideal conditions for a wet ground avalanche: high nighttime temperatures (no freeze at Zelenica), strong sun in the morning, afternoon rain that additionally loaded the snowpack, southern exposure that heats up quickly.
In such conditions, the snowpack cannot stabilize again, so ground avalanches are common and unpredictable.
Estimated danger and warnings
Šentanski plaz and the unforested slopes of Triangel are already avalanche-prone areas in normal winter conditions, as confirmed by descriptions of ski tours and warnings that the route is only suitable in good conditions.
In the days before the event, conditions in the Karawanks were assessed as moderate (level 2), but with a clear forecast that snow stability would deteriorate rapidly in warm weather.
Summary
The avalanche on the SE slope of Triangel was the result of: distinctly warm nights, rain, southern location, melting of the snowpack, weak layer in the snow profile, and lack of forest cover.
The event is a warning that even with apparently low general avalanche danger, local factors – primarily temperature and precipitation, as well as (only) grass-covered slopes – can cause rapid deterioration of conditions.
Source:
https://gore-ljudje.net/informacije/opazen-talni-snezni-plaz-na-jv-pobocju-triangla/