Snow conditions 16. 2. 2024

General avalanche danger level - Friday, 16 February 2024
The danger is level 2 on the European five-level scale - MODERATE.
Main problem: wet snow, wind slab
Danger pattern: cooling after warm weather / warming after cold

Risk assessment
Avalanche danger is MODERATE, level 2, in most of our mountains above about 1800 m a.s.l., and LOW, level 1, lower down. During the day, due to warming especially on sun-exposed slopes, the danger will increase and will be CONSIDERABLE, level 3, above about 1800 m, and MODERATE, level 2, lower down. On steeper slopes in the high mountains, wet snow avalanches can release spontaneously. Wind slab areas are also dangerous, especially around ridges and summits, where slab avalanches can be triggered by moderate stress.

Snow conditions
In recent days, moderate, occasionally strong northerly wind has blown especially in the high mountains, transporting snow in places and forming new small snow deposits. Since Tuesday, temperatures have risen significantly. The 0°C isotherm is high, currently around 3000 m a.s.l. In recent days, the snowpack has settled somewhat on sun-exposed slopes during the day and frozen at night, forming crusts. The snowpack is uneven and changes rapidly with elevation. Below about 1500 m there is little snow, while in the high mountains conditions are fairly typical for this time of year.

Forecast weather development
Today, Friday, it will be sunny, with light westerly winds in the high mountains. Temperature at 1500 m around 6 °C, at 2500 m around 4 °C. 0°C isotherm around 3000 m a.s.l. On Saturday, partly clear at first, then clouding over from the north during the day. Mostly light northerly wind. Temperature at 1500 m around 6 °C, at 2500 m around 0 °C. On Sunday, cloudy and foggy. Light precipitation possible, gradually cooling somewhat. 0°C isotherm will drop to around 2000 m a.s.l. on Sunday. On Monday, cloudy, with possible light precipitation in places.

Trend in snow conditions
In the coming days, individual wet snow avalanches are still expected on sun-exposed slopes. Steep slopes should be avoided especially midday and in the afternoon. Overall, the snowpack will stabilise slowly. Avalanche danger will be MODERATE, level 2 above about 1800 m, and LOW, level 1 lower down.

Next issue: Monday, 19 February 2024

Source: ARSO