Snow conditions 16.12.2020

Danger is level 2 on the European five-level scale - MODERATE.

Main problem: wind slab, gliding snow



Risk assessment

Avalanche danger is currently above 1500 m elevation MODERATE, level 2, lower down LOW, level 1. Particularly dangerous are areas with wind-blown snow, mostly on northern and western sides of ridges and saddles, and steeper slopes. In these areas, even a minor load on the snowpack can trigger a slab avalanche. Especially on steep southern grassy slopes, cracks are appearing, and gliding avalanches are also forming.



Snow conditions

The snowpack, especially on southern slopes, has started to transform more rapidly due to thawing and solar influence. Overnight, the snowpack has refrozen, and a crust has begun to form. The snowpack is relatively compact, only during the day, especially on southern slopes, does the snow soften and become mushy. Dry and unprocessed snow is found in higher and sheltered shady locations, where surface hoar is also forming on the snowpack. Yesterday, a strengthened southwesterly wind blew on wind-exposed locations, but it mostly did not create additional snow deposits. Especially in the high mountains, there is still a lot of loose snow, wind-exposed locations are scoured to hard base in places and icy. The risk of gliding is increasing.



Forecast weather development

Today, our regions will be under the influence of a weakening upper-level trough, so it will be mostly cloudy, especially in mid-mountains also foggy. Occasional light precipitation is possible. In high mountains mostly as light snow, lower down light rain. Weak to moderate southwesterly wind will blow. At 1500 m around 2, at 2500 m around 0 °C. On Thursday, above about 1300 m elevation mostly clear, lower down low cloudiness will persist. Weak to moderate westerly winds will blow. At 1500 m around 3, at 2500 m 1 °C. Similar weather on Friday too. On Saturday and Sunday, southwesterly winds will strengthen, bringing more moisture. Cloudiness will gradually increase, clearer at first in high mountains. On Sunday, light precipitation especially in western mountain ranges. Zero isotherm around 1800 m elevation.



Trend in snow conditions

The snowpack will continue to transform especially on sun-exposed locations, the crust will strengthen. Icy surfaces will also increase. Avalanche danger will remain MODERATE, level 2, due to relatively warm weather, especially steep southern slopes will be dangerous, where during the day there will be danger of gliding avalanches. In places in high mountains, you may still trigger a slab snow avalanche.



Next issue: Friday, 18.12.2020



Source: ARSO