Snow conditions 11.12.2019

Danger is level 2 on the European five-level scale - MODERATE.

Main problem: wind slab, new snow

Danger pattern: Cold weather, poorly bonded fresh snow with wind



Risk assessment

Avalanche danger is currently in the high mountains above about 1800 m MODERATE, level 2, lower down LOW, level 1. There are many wind slabs and slabs that can be triggered mainly on steeper slopes mostly only under heavier load on the snowpack.



Snow conditions

It has been dry and cold. The snowpack has transformed only slowly due to the dry and cold air, strong north wind on Tuesday created new wind slabs on the south sides of ridges and saddles. There are many wind slabs and sastrugi, snow is dry, soft in sheltered spots, elsewhere crusty or hard, lower down also frozen.



Forecast weather development

Today clear and cold. Weak wind mostly from the northeast. Tomorrow clouding over, midday and afternoon occasional light snow in places. Precipitation amount negligible, possibly less than 5 cm of dry snow. Mostly weak northeast wind. Night to Friday temporary clearing then Friday morning clouding over again. In the morning snow from southwest in the mountains. Southwest wind strengthening. Somewhat warmer.



Tendency of snow conditions

The snowpack will transform only slowly. Snow will remain dry and lower down frozen. Avalanche conditions will start changing on Friday with new precipitation. Snowing on mostly hard base, so a weak layer in the snowpack on which snow can slide in the future. Strong southwest wind will create wind slabs on east and north sides of ridges and saddles. Avalanche danger will increase on Friday.



Next bulletin: Saturday, 14.12.2019



Source: ARSO