Snow conditions 17.2.2023

General avalanche danger level - Friday, 17.2.2023
Danger level is 2 on the European 5-level scale - MODERATE.
Main problem: weak layers, wet snow
Danger pattern: Spring situation

Risk assessment
Avalanche danger is currently LOW, level 1, but during the day on sun-exposed slopes it increases and above 1500 m is MODERATE, level 2. With daytime warming, some spontaneous wet snow avalanches or gliding avalanches are possible. Steep grassy slopes and gullies are more dangerous. Especially on shadier sides, weak layers are present in the snowpack; with high load, it is possible to trigger a small slab avalanche. This applies particularly in transition zones between thinner and thicker snow cover. Due to daytime melting and nighttime freezing, icy surfaces are increasing.

Snow conditions
Dry and relatively warm weather continues in the mountains. Snow mostly refreezes at night due to dry air and softens during the day on sun-exposed slopes, and melts in lower areas. Conditions in shaded areas remain more or less unchanged. Snow is mostly crusted, formed by wind or daytime thaw and nighttime freezing. On wind-exposed locations, snow is wind-packed to the firm base. There are still slabs and wind slabs that are well bonded to the base. During daytime thaw in the past two days, individual wet snow avalanches and gliding avalanches have released on sun-exposed slopes.

Forecast weather development
Today, Friday, partly clear, but in the mid-mountains in the southwest partly foggy. Weak to moderate westerly winds. Freezing level around 2800 m. Tomorrow, Saturday, similar weather, also temperature and wind conditions. On Sunday, mostly cloudy. Moderate westerly to northwesterly wind. Slightly cooler, freezing level between 2200 and 2500 m. On Monday, partly clearing, a bit cooler.

Trend in snow conditions
Today and tomorrow, snow and avalanche conditions in the mountains will be spring-like. The snowpack will slowly transform, faster on sun-exposed slopes where it will also melt. In shaded locations, snow will remain dry or frozen. Avalanche danger will be low in the morning and initially in the forenoon, but in the midday and afternoon it will slightly increase on sun-exposed slopes and above around 1500 m be MODERATE, level 2. On Sunday, due to more cloudy weather and slightly lower temperatures, no daytime increase in avalanche danger is expected, and on Monday due to slightly lower temperatures, the daily solar influence will not be as pronounced.

Next issue: Monday, 20.2.2023

Source: ARSO