Snow conditions 16.12.2019

Danger is 3rd degree on the European five-level scale - CONSIDERABLE.

Main problem: wind-blown snow, wet snow, new snow

Danger pattern: Cooling after warm weather / warming after cold



Risk assessment

Avalanche danger is currently in the high mountains above about 1800 m CONSIDERABLE, 3rd degree, lower down MODERATE, 2nd degree. On Sunday it warmed up in the mountains, the new snow got wet. Temperature rose a bit today, so wet snow avalanches can release spontaneously. There are many cornices and slabs that can release especially on steeper slopes even under minor snow cover loading.



Snow conditions

After snowfall on Friday, strong wind on Saturday built slabs and crusts. On Sunday it also warmed up significantly, new snow started transforming quickly and also melting in mid-mountains. Avalanche danger has INCREASED, especially slopes with wind-blown snow are dangerous, where wet snow avalanches poorly bonded to the base can release spontaneously.



Forecast weather development

In the mountains it will be cloudy and foggy in the coming days. Especially in the western Julian Alps and on Snežnik there will be light to moderate precipitation, elsewhere amounts will be small. In lower hills in the east it will occasionally be partly sunny. The snow line will be at about 2200 m above sea level, occasionally even higher. At 1500 m around 5, at 2500 m around 0 °C. Moderate to strong southwest wind will blow.



Tendency of snow conditions

The snow cover will gradually stabilize below 2200 m, snow will melt rapidly especially in mid-mountains and thin out. Avalanche danger will DECREASE. In the high mountains, above about 1800 m, MODERATE, 2nd degree, will remain. Steep slopes with wind-blown and soaked snow will still be dangerous, where under loading you can trigger an avalanche. With possible larger amounts of new fallen snow, avalanche danger in the high mountains of the western Julian Alps will slightly increase on Wednesday.



Next issue: Thursday, 19.12.2019



Source: ARSO