Snow conditions 14.2.2020

Danger is level 1 on the European 5-level scale - LOW.

Main problem: wind slab, favourable conditions

Danger pattern: Spring situation



Risk assessment

Avalanche danger is mostly LOW, level 1. Especially on southern slopes you can exceptionally trigger small slab avalanches under heavy load. The likelihood is higher midday and in the afternoon. Many slopes are icy, therefore increased RISK OF GLIDES.



Snow conditions

The snowpack is mostly hard, icy in places, only in sheltered high-mountain locations there is some soft snow. Wind slab is present on all aspects, but not in large quantities.



Forecast weather development

Today mostly clear. Freezing level around 1800 m. A somewhat stronger northerly wind will blow. Tomorrow mostly clear, with occasional more cirrus cloudiness. Weak southwesterly wind blowing, northwesterly in the high mountains. During the day some clouds will form on southern slopes of the western part of our mountains. In the afternoon it will warm up considerably at high elevations, freezing level rising to around 3000 m. On Sunday weather similar, southwesterly strengthening. In the afternoon somewhat more cloudiness in the west, but peaks there probably above the clouds. On Monday some sun still on Pohorje and in eastern Karawanks, elsewhere cloudy and locally foggy. In the afternoon minor precipitation will start in western and southern Julian Alps and in the foothills.



Trend in snow conditions

Avalanche conditions will not change much. On Saturday and Sunday due to sun and warmer air mass the snowpack on sun-exposed terrain will soften during the day and become somewhat unstable, at night freezing in places. Still high RISK OF GLIDES.



Next bulletin: Monday, 17.2.2020



Source: ARSO