2.05.2023
General danger level - Monday, 1 May 2023
Danger level 2 on the European 5-level scale - MODERATE.
Main problem: new snow, wet snow
Danger pattern: Spring situation
Risk assessment
Avalanche danger in high mountains above about 2000 m a.s.l. is MODERATE, level 2, lower down LOW, level 1. More dangerous primarily steep aspects in high mountains with more snow, also drifted, and steep grassy slopes mainly on sun-facing aspects somewhat lower where there is still sufficient snow. Wet snow slab avalanches possible there. Greater attention required mainly in gullies and below walls where avalanches can reach lower.
Snow conditions
Snow cover is settling and transforming. With slight cooling it froze above about 1800 m overnight and did not soften much during the day due to mostly cloudy weather. Below about 1800 m snow is mostly wet, higher up frozen and in places in shady high-mountain locations still some soft, fairly dry snow. Snow conditions highly dependent on elevation and sun exposure. Ridges in high mountains quite wind-scoured and partly hard and icy.
Forecast weather development
Monday afternoon mostly cloudy. Zero isotherm at about 2200 m a.s.l., light winds. Tuesday cloudy and foggy with precipitation. Snow line between 1900 and 2100 m a.s.l. Light to moderate easterly winds. Precipitation will decrease overnight to Wednesday. By Wednesday morning expected 10-20 cm snow, possibly up to 30 cm in the central Karawanks and Kamnik-Savinja Alps area. Wednesday dry weather, clearing from northwest during the day. Slightly strengthening northeast wind. Zero isotherm at about 2300 m a.s.l. Thursday mostly clear.
Trend in snow conditions
By tomorrow evening avalanche and snow conditions will worsen slightly, especially on areas receiving more than 20 cm snow, which is quite unpredictable. Wednesday northeast wind in high mountains will also transport snow into wind slabs. Primarily in the central Karawanks and Kamnik-Savinja Alps above about 2000 m a.s.l. avalanche danger will increase to CONSIDERABLE, level 3 tomorrow evening and Wednesday, elsewhere and lower mostly LOW to MODERATE, levels 1-2. Rain will wet the snow cover lower down, but less snow lower and danger must be assessed based on local snowpack depth. With clearing Wednesday afternoon and Thursday sun will again significantly influence avalanche conditions daytime. Above about 2000 m a.s.l. expect possible release of individual small to medium new-snow avalanches from steep slopes, mainly lower down and also higher up in sunny weather wet snow avalanches possible. Increased caution required!
Next bulletin: Thursday, 4 May 2023
Source: ARSO