Snow conditions 10.1.2018
10.01.2018
General danger level - Wednesday, 10. 1. 2018
Danger is 3rd degree on the European five-level scale - CONSIDERABLE.
Main problem: new snow, wet snow, weak layers
Danger pattern: Cooling after warm weather / warming after frost
Risk assessment
Avalanche danger is above sea level around 1300 m, where there is approximately enough snow, currently CONSIDERABLE, 3rd degree, lower down MODERATE, 2nd degree. Especially steep slopes and places with wind-packed snow are dangerous, where you can trigger a new snow avalanche with minor loading. Below around 1600 m the snow cover is soaked and therefore individual wet snow avalanches can release from steep, grassy or bare slopes, even ground avalanches.
Snow conditions
Yesterday there were precipitations with the snow line initially at sea level around 1600 m, which then dropped below 1000 m in places. The snow cover is soaked lower down, above around 1400 m covered with a thin layer of new snow. Especially above sea level around 1800 m, 20 to 40 cm of snow fell, more in the Julian Alps. The snow is light and soft.
Forecast weather development
Today it will partially clear in the high mountains, elsewhere it will remain more cloudy, initially also foggy. Freezing level at sea level around 1500 m. Tomorrow partly clear with occasional increased cloudiness especially high above the summits. During the day the low cloudiness will start to lift. Slightly cooler, freezing level between 1100 and 1300 m above sea level. On Friday and Saturday cloudy and mostly foggy with occasional light snowfall, only in the high mountains above around 2000 to 2300 m it may be partly clear, but there will be more cloudiness high above the summits. The amount of precipitation will be small, new snow will not affect avalanche conditions. Especially on Saturday it will be a bit cooler.
Tendency of snow conditions
The snow cover will settle and transform and slowly stabilize. Avalanche danger will decrease, partly also due to lower temperatures. A crust will also form, especially in the layer between 1200 and 1800 m.
Next issue: Friday, 12. 1. 2018
Source: ARSO