1.05.2020
The danger is level 2 on the European five-level scale - MODERATE.
Main problem: favourable conditions, new snow, wet snow
Danger pattern: Spring situation
Risk assessment
Today, avalanche danger is above about 1900 m altitude MODERATE, level 2, and below that altitude mostly LOW, level 1. South-facing slopes are particularly dangerous, where the new snow that fell overnight has quickly become wet. Small to medium wet snow avalanches can release spontaneously. Below 1900 m little snow has fallen, so the danger there is low.
Snow conditions
Overnight and in the morning it snowed in the high mountains, the snow line dropped to around 1600 m at the end of the precipitation. In the high mountains 10 to 30 cm of snow fell, lower down mostly just about a centimetre of new snow. Due to the sunny morning, the new snow will quickly melt on sun-exposed slopes, while in more shaded areas above 2200 m it will remain dry. On more wind-exposed slopes, wind slabs and dunes have formed on the southern sides of ridges and passes.
Expected weather development
Today variable to mostly cloudy and occasionally foggy, with local showers occurring, possibly some thunderstorms. The southwest wind will blow again, strengthening in the afternoon. Temperature at 1500 m will be around 6 °C at midday, at 2500 m around -1 °C. Tomorrow morning partly clearing. During the day variable cloudy and also foggy, with local showers in the midday and afternoon, possibly isolated thunderstorms. In the high mountains light to moderate winds from westerly directions, lower down variable and mostly light winds. At 1500 m around 6 °C at midday, at 2500 m around -1 °C. In the night to Sunday a band of precipitation will pass, with some cooling. The snow line will drop to around 1800 m. On Sunday partly sunny and mostly dry. At 1500 m around 4 °C, at 2500 m around -5 °C. On Monday too, dry weather will continue, clouding over in the midday or evening.
Trend in snow conditions
In the high mountains, snow conditions will change rapidly due to snow showers and the influence of the sun. The snow will melt in the morning, and small to medium wet snow avalanches may release. Avalanche danger will remain MODERATE, level 2 above around 1900 m, and LOW lower down.
Next publication: Monday, 4.5.2020
Source: ARSO