1.04.2016
AVALANCHE RISK ASSESSMENT
Avalanche danger is MODERATE, level 2.
The snowpack is softened due to thawing and somewhat less stable. In sunny weather, snow on sun-exposed slopes softens further during the day. Wet snow avalanches can release spontaneously from steep slopes, on steep grassy or leaf-covered slopes wet snow slab avalanches are possible. Snow can be triggered by significant additional loading especially in areas with wind-blown snow.
SNOW CONDITIONS and CURRENT SNOWPACK STATE
Fairly sunny weather continues in the mountains, occasionally more cloudy especially in the western part of our mountains. The freeze line has risen to the highest peaks today. In windy weather snow did not freeze even at night, except in sheltered locations in the high mountains. Lower down snow melts quickly, especially on sun-exposed slopes.
In the Julian Alps at 2500 m from 250 to about 330 cm of snow, at 1500 m from 130 to about 250 cm, at 1000 m up to about 10 cm. Elsewhere in our mountains at 1500 m from 40 to about 90 cm of snow, less towards the east. Significant snow cover starts at about 900 m above sea level, on sun-exposed slopes even above 1100 m.
The snowpack is currently softened, only in the high mountains and in sheltered locations it freezes at night and softens during the day. In shaded high mountain locations snow is still relatively poorly transformed in places, mostly crusty. On wind-exposed locations snow is quite wind-packed. In the morning the surface is sometimes hard and icy in the high mountains.
FORECAST WEATHER DEVELOPMENT
Today partly clear with occasional increased cloudiness, some cloudiness also in the east. Moderate, occasionally still strong southwest wind will blow, weakening in the afternoon.
Tomorrow initially moderately to mostly cloudy, clearing during the day. Slightly cooler especially below about 2000 m, higher up no major temperature differences.
On Sunday the weather will be similar to today. The freeze line will rise again to our highest peaks.
SNOW CONDITION TREND
The snowpack will settle quickly today and melt in the mid-mountains. Overnight into Saturday it will freeze, but during the day due to slightly lower temperatures and initially increased cloudiness it will not soften as much. Avalanche danger will temporarily decrease somewhat. On Sunday due to sunnier weather snow will soften again even in the high mountains and the possibility of sliding will increase somewhat again, especially during the day on sun-exposed slopes.
Next report will be issued on MONDAY, 4.4.2016 in the morning.
Source: ARSO