Snow conditions 17.3.2021

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

Main problem: windslab

Danger pattern: Cooling after warm weather / warming after cold



Risk assessment

Avalanche danger is mostly MODERATE, level 2, above about 1700 m, lower down LOW, level 1. In places with windslab you can trigger a dry slab avalanche even with a small load. On wind-exposed areas and ridges there is a high risk of slipping.



Snow conditions

The snowpack is hard and partly icy on wind-exposed slopes, in sheltered areas there is a layer of dry snow on a hard base, with considerable windslab and slabs. Due to low temperatures the snow on sun-exposed slopes will settle during the day mainly in the mid-mountain range, in the high mountains much less and remains mostly hard during the day. Some crust on new snow mainly due to wind.



Forecast weather development

Today partly clear with variable cloudiness, more in the midday and afternoon, when individual peaks will occasionally be in clouds. Individual snow showers will form. Weak to moderate north wind will blow. Temperatures below zero. Tomorrow slightly more cloudiness than today, snow showers more likely and frequent. Mostly weak north wind. Temperatures below zero. On Friday morning and until mid-morning partly clear, then variable cloudy with some afternoon snow showers. Mostly weak northeast wind. Still cold. At the end of the week the wind will strengthen. More cloudy on Saturday, when occasional light snowfall is not excluded somewhere, on Sunday more sun.



Tendency of snow conditions

Avalanche conditions will not change. High risk of slipping will remain, slabs will stabilize somewhat only on sun-exposed mid-mountain slopes, in shaded areas and high mountains conditions will remain almost unchanged. Caution required in places with windslab!



Next issue: Friday, 19. 3. 2021



Source: ARSO