Snow conditions 10.11.2010

Since Monday, the mountains have had cloudy weather with occasional precipitation, which was more frequent and heavier in the Julian Alps and western Karawanks. The snow line dropped below 900 m in the upper Sava valley, but mostly it snowed above around 1000 m. Since Monday morning, an additional 15 to 50 cm of snow has fallen, depending on elevation. Elsewhere in our mountains, much less precipitation and consequently snow fell. The freezing level was around 1500 m on Monday and Tuesday, but today it has risen to around 1800 m.
In the high mountains of the Julian Alps, there is around 100 cm of snow at 2500 m, and up to 30 cm at 1500 m. Elsewhere in our mountains, there is considerably less snow. In the high mountains, the snow is dry, lower down it is wet and settles quickly. The southwest wind is creating wind slabs.
The avalanche danger is 2nd degree at around 2000 m in the Julian Alps, and 1st degree elsewhere in our mountains.
Wind-loaded areas and steeper slopes are particularly dangerous. The snow is soft and light.
Until Friday, weather will be variable to mostly cloudy and foggy in many mountain areas. There will be occasional precipitation, but much less than until today. The freezing level will be around 1800 m. The wind will temporarily weaken tomorrow.
The next report will be issued on Friday, 12 November.

General avalanche danger is moderate, i.e. 2nd degree on the European five-level scale.

Source: ARSO