Snow conditions 11.1.2021

The danger level is 3 on the European five-level scale - CONSIDERABLE.

Main problem: wind-packed snow, weak layers



Danger assessment

The avalanche danger is CONSIDERABLE, level 3, above about 1400 m above sea level, and MODERATE, level 2, lower down. In the eastern part of our mountains, where there is less snow, the boundary between level 2 and 3 is somewhat higher. Steeper slopes and places with wind-packed snow and gullies where snow has accumulated are particularly dangerous. There, even with small loads, you can trigger slab avalanches from steep slopes. Isolated spontaneous slab avalanches are also possible on steep slopes.



Snow conditions

Relatively cold weather continues with temperatures well below zero, so the snow transforms and settles only slowly. On Sunday it snowed lightly, mostly up to 5 cm of light snow fell, more snow up to 20 cm fell in the southeast. At the same time, a light to moderate easterly wind blew, which transported snow at exposed places and built wind slabs and slabs on the western sides of slopes. It was more windy on the coastal side of the mountains. New snow has covered cracking traces in places, making the danger hard to recognize. The snowpack is mostly soft and sinks deeply, in places a crust has formed due to wind, and on some sunny slopes also due to the sun on Saturday. On very sunny aspects, the snowpack has begun to transform somewhat faster. Numerous gliding and slab avalanches have also occurred. There are many wind slabs and slabs, wind-exposed locations are quite scoured. Weak layers are present in the snowpack, conditions are particularly demanding in the high mountains.



Forecast weather development

Today it will be partly clear in the Julian Alps area, elsewhere moderately to mostly cloudy. A moderate northeast wind will blow, weakening in the afternoon. It will be cold, temperature at 1500 m around -9, at 2500 m around -13 °C. On Tuesday morning mostly clear, in the afternoon cloudiness will increase from the north. Clouds will be above the peaks. Initially a light northerly wind will blow, in the afternoon it will turn to westerly directions. Temperature at 1500 m around -2, at 2500 m around -8 °C. On Wednesday it will clear up, in the afternoon some high cloudiness. A moderate, in the high mountains also strong northerly to northwesterly wind will blow. It will be cold again, at 1500 m around -6, at 2500 m around -13 °C. On the night to Thursday snow showers will occur. On Thursday during the day mostly clear, a strong northerly wind will blow. Slightly colder still.



Trend in snow conditions

Today the snowpack will settle and transform very slowly, the snow will remain dry and soft due to the cold weather. Tomorrow it will warm up, especially on more pronounced sunny slopes in the mid-mountains the snowpack will transform somewhat faster. The avalanche release danger will temporarily increase. For the rest of the week, cold weather will prevail, which can weaken the snowpack bonding. Occasionally a strong northerly wind will blow, transporting snow to the southern side of ridges and saddles. The avalanche danger will remain CONSIDERABLE, level 3, above about 1400 m, and mostly MODERATE level 2 lower down.



Next issue: Wednesday, 13.1.2021



Source: ARSO