Snow conditions 16.4.2021

The danger is at level 2 on the European five-level scale - MODERATE.
Main problem: wind slab, wet snow
Danger pattern: Cooling after warm weather / warming after frost
Danger pattern: Spring situation

Risk assessment
Avalanche danger above sea level around 1700 m is MODERATE, level 2, lower down LOW, level 1. Especially in the high mountains, steeper slopes with wind slab remain dangerous, where with greater snowpack loading you can trigger a slab avalanche. On wind-exposed terrain there is a risk of slipping.

Snow conditions
The snowpack in dry and cold weather has mostly remained dry and frozen. Only in the mid-mountains has it in places on sun-exposed slopes become temporarily wet during the day. Wind-scoured spots and ridges are hard and icy. There are many slabs, mostly on southern and western sides of ridges and saddles.

Forecast weather development
Today forenoon mostly clear, afternoon occasionally more cloudy and individual peaks may occasionally be in clouds. Wind light and variable directions. Freezing level mostly below 1500 m above sea level. Tomorrow cloudy and locally foggy, only in western Julian Alps some sun. Moderate northeast wind blowing. Sunday cloudy and locally foggy with occasional minor precipitation. Snow level between 700 and 1000 m above sea level. Light to moderate northeast wind blowing. No major temperature changes on Saturday and Sunday. Monday cloudy and locally foggy with minor precipitation.

Trend of snow conditions
The snowpack will today during the day on sun-exposed slopes temporarily become wet mainly below sea level around 1800 m. At night it will freeze. In the next days avalanche conditions due to cloudy and cold weather will not change much. Snow will mostly be frozen and dry, by Monday 5 to 10 cm of snow may fall, more in the eastern part of our mountains. Risk of slipping will persist.

Next issue: Monday, 19. 4. 2021

Source: ARSO