Snow conditions 14.12.2020

The danger level is 2 on the European five-level scale - MODERATE.

Main problem: drifted snow



Risk assessment

Avalanche danger is currently above sea level between 1000 and 1300 m MODERATE, level 2, lower down LOW, level 1. Particularly dangerous are places with drifted snow, most numerous on northern and western sides of ridges and saddles, and steeper slopes. In these areas, even a minor load on the snowpack can trigger slab avalanches. From steep slopes, individual avalanches of cohesive and partially cohesive dry snow are still possible.



Snow conditions

In the mountains at the end of the week it was dry and relatively cold, occasionally sunny weather, temperatures around zero or below zero. Easterly winds were blowing, creating small drifts. The snowpack settled and transformed only slowly, in places a thin crust formed due to wind and sun. Otherwise, the snow is mostly dry and soft and sinks deeply. There are quite a few slabs, especially in the high mountains. Wind-exposed locations are quite scoured.



Forecast weather development

Today mostly clear, wind light. Tomorrow after a fairly clear morning it will gradually cloud over from the west, initially high cloud, towards noon and in the afternoon cloud also in lower atmospheric layers and summits will be in clouds. Only in the eastern Karawanks and on Pohorje no clouds high above summits. Light to moderate southwesterly wind will blow. Freezing level will rise above the highest summits. On Wednesday cloudy and partly foggy and mostly dry. Freezing level between 1500 and 2000 m, in the northeast even higher. Moderate southwesterly wind.



Trend of snow conditions

From tomorrow onwards the snowpack will transform somewhat faster due to warmer air and increased humidity. The crust will strengthen somewhat. Especially in the high mountains wind will transport snow and form new drifts on eastern sides of ridges and saddles. The snowpack will slowly stabilize.



Next publication: Wednesday, 16. 12. 2020



Source: ARSO