Snow conditions 1.12.2017

General danger level - Friday, 1 December 2017

Danger is level 3 on the European five-level scale - CONSIDERABLE.

Main problem: new snow

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



Risk assessment

Avalanche danger above about 1300 m elevation is CONSIDERABLE, level 3, lower down MODERATE, level 2. Steeper slopes and places with wind-drifted snow are dangerous, where even with minor additional load on the snow cover you can trigger an avalanche. From steep slopes, individual slab avalanches of dry, poorly bonded snow may release spontaneously. Lower down, where wet snow fell, the danger is lower.



Snow conditions

On Wednesday and Thursday it snowed. From 20 to about 50 cm of snow fell in the mountains and hills. The amount was smaller in the eastern part of our mountains, and also in the far northwest there was somewhat less precipitation than elsewhere. On Wednesday the snow line was mostly between 600 and 900 m, on Thursday below 500 m. Initially a southwesterly wind blew, then northeasterly and northerly wind. New wind slabs and soft slabs formed. Ridges are quite wind-scoured. The snow cover is soft, loose especially above about 1600 m elevation, lower down the snow is relatively dense.



Forecast weather development

Today cloudy and foggy, occasionally light snow in places. Tomorrow and Sunday mostly clear, only on Sunday some cloudiness in the mid-mountains in places and possibly foggy at times. Moderate to strong easterly to northeasterly wind blowing, weakening somewhat on Sunday. Temperature will be below zero throughout. On Monday moderately cloudy at times in places, mostly dry.



Trend in snow conditions

The snow cover will settle only slowly and transform slowly due to low temperatures. Even on sun-exposed slopes the sun will have little influence on transformation. Snow will remain soft and relatively light. Wind will transport snow. New drifts mainly on south and west sides of ridges and saddles. Avalanche danger will decrease only slowly somewhat over the next days. Mainly places with wind-drifted snow and steep slopes will be dangerous, where with greater additional load on the snow cover you can trigger an avalanche. Spontaneous slab avalanches mostly not expected anymore.



Next issue: Monday, 4 December 2017



Source: ARSO