Snow conditions 15.11.2017

General danger level - Wednesday, 15. 11. 2017

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

Main problem: wind-drifted snow

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



Risk assessment

Avalanche danger above about 1400 m is MODERATE, level 2, lower down LOW, level 1. Strengthened northerly and easterly wind has transported snow in the mountains and formed new drifts. Particularly dangerous are steeper slopes with WINDD-SLABBED SNOW, where slab avalanches can be triggered by loading the snowpack. Steep grassy slopes that were bare before snowfall are also dangerous. Spontaneous releasing is unlikely, as snow has mostly slid off steep grassy slopes already.



Snow conditions

After the last snowfall, mostly cloudy and windy weather prevailed in the mountains, only yesterday afternoon was there some sun. Temperatures were below zero, the zero isotherm at about 900 m. The snowpack has settled only slowly and transformed poorly. Snow is soft and light, at lower elevations a thin crust on the surface. Many drifts, ridges and summits are heavily scoured, sometimes to bare ground. Snow cover starts at quite varying elevations.



Forecast weather evolution

In the coming days, predominantly cloudy weather will continue. Occasionally some sun in the western Karawanks and in Posočje. In the high mountains, moderate, occasionally strong easterly to northeasterly wind. Freezing level will temporarily rise to about 2000 m tomorrow, on Friday it will cool somewhat again. Occasional snow showers or light snowfall possible mainly in the night from Friday to Saturday, in Kočevje area and around Snežnik also tonight and tomorrow daytime. Precipitation amounts will be small everywhere.



Trend in snow conditions

Due to cold and mostly cloudy weather, the snowpack will continue to settle and metamorphose only slowly. Wind will still transport snow on exposed sites especially in high mountains. Avalanche danger will decrease only slowly, remaining mostly MODERATE, level 2.



Next bulletin: Friday, 17. 11. 2017



Source: ARSO