Snow conditions 15.2.2012

Since Monday, it has been dry and mostly sunny weather.

Temperature has been below zero all the time. On sun-exposed slopes, the snow has transformed somewhat faster, while in shady slopes it remained dry and almost unchanged. The wind has weakened, so it no longer forms larger drifts.

The snow cover is soft and powdery. On wind-exposed places, the snow is wind-packed to a hard, partially icy base.

Especially on the western and southern sides of ridges and passes, there are extensive areas of wind-drifted snow. In many places, old slabs are covered with new snow.

The snow cover reaches the lowlands. At sea level altitude around 2000 m and higher, there is 70 to 110 cm of snow, at 1500 m about 50 cm.

Even lower, there is locally 20 to 40 cm of snow. The avalanche danger is mostly level 2. Steeper slopes are dangerous, especially places with drifted snow that can release even under minor loading. Spontaneous avalanches are not expected. On scoured places, there is a risk of slips.

Warmer air is flowing in at higher elevations. Until Friday, temperature will remain below zero, but due to higher temperatures and more humid air, the snow will transform somewhat faster. Especially on sun-exposed slopes, a thin crust will form on the surface. On shady slopes, the snow will remain mostly dry. Today, a strengthened southwesterly will carry snow into drifts on the eastern and northern sides of ridges and passes. Tomorrow, a strong northerly will form drifts again on the southern sides. Avalanche conditions will not change much, only the position of drifted snow will vary considerably.

The new report will be issued on Friday, 17.2.2012.



The general avalanche danger is level 2 on the European five-level scale.



Source: ARSO