Snow conditions 15.1.2021

The danger is 3rd degree on the European five-point scale - CONSIDERABLE.

Main problem: wind-blown snow, weak layers



Risk assessment

Avalanche danger above sea level around 1500 m is CONSIDERABLE, 3rd degree, lower down MODERATE, 2nd degree. In the eastern part of our mountains, where there is less snow, the boundary between 2nd and 3rd degree is somewhat higher. Especially dangerous are shady and steeper slopes and numerous places with wind-blown snow as well as gullies where snow has accumulated. There, even with a small load from steep slopes, you can trigger a slab avalanche. Spontaneous avalanching is less likely, but individual slab avalanches are still possible especially on steep northern slopes.



Snow conditions

The snowpack has thinned somewhat and then frozen due to transient warming in the mid-mountains below sea level around 1500 m on pronounced southern exposures, forming a crust. In the high mountains and shady areas, the snow has only settled slightly. At wind-exposed locations, a strong northerly wind in the high mountains has transported snow and new slabs have formed on the southern and eastern sides of ridges and saddles, so now they are on variously oriented slopes. The snowpack is still mostly soft and sinks deeply especially in sheltered and lee areas, but in the high mountains the strong influence of wind is evident, which has created a crust; the crust is also present in the mid-mountains where it warmed transiently, and on southern slopes somewhat higher. Weak layers are present in the snowpack, conditions are particularly demanding in the high mountains, but due to transient warming, the snow has stabilized somewhat below around 1500 m above sea level.



Forecast weather development

Today it will be mostly clear, with mostly light northerly to northeasterly wind. It is cold again, around -8°C at 1500 m, around -13°C at 2500 m. Tomorrow, Saturday, it will be moderately to mostly cloudy especially in the eastern part of our mountains, some peaks will occasionally be in clouds. Towards the west, mostly clear. Light to moderate wind, occasionally strong in the eastern part, northerly. Slightly colder. On Sunday, moderately to mostly cloudy and occasionally foggy in places. Mostly light northwesterly wind. Slightly less cold in the mountains than on Saturday. On Monday, slightly less cloudy than Sunday. Light westerly wind. The cold will slowly subside.



Trend in snow conditions

Due to the cold, the snowpack will transform only slowly again, avalanche conditions will hardly change today, tomorrow, and on Monday. Due to low temperatures, the sun will not significantly affect snow metamorphism, except on southern slopes of the lower mid-mountains. Great caution is needed especially on steeper slopes and places with wind-blown snow.



Next issue: Monday, 18.1.2021



Source: ARSO