Snow conditions 17.4.2020

Danger is level 2 on the European 5-level scale - MODERATE.

Main problem: wet snow

Danger pattern: Cooling after warm weather / warming after frost

Danger pattern: Spring situation



Danger assessment

Avalanche danger is LOW in the morning, level 1, during the day particularly MODERATE, level 2, on steep south-facing slopes above 1800 m.



Snow conditions

With significant warming, the snowpack especially on south-facing slopes started transforming and melting faster on Thursday. In the morning the snowpack is mostly still frozen and icy, during the day it quickly softens and becomes soggy. This process is slower in shadier spots.



Forecast weather evolution

Today mostly clear. Temperature at 1500 m around 11, at 2500 m around 4 °C. Tomorrow mostly clear with occasional increased cumulus cloudiness. Weak wind of variable direction. Similar temperatures. Sunday initially sunny, midday and afternoon becoming cloudy. Frequent showers and thunderstorms, first in northern mountains, later elsewhere. Initially weak westerly wind, towards evening easterly wind. Midday at 1500 m around 10, at 2500 m around 3 °C. Evening cooling, snow line dropping below 2000 m. Monday initially cloudier, afternoon cloud breaks.



Trend of snow conditions

Even end of week with sunny warm weather, snow on sun-exposed aspects will become soggy and soften. Small wet snow slab releases possible from steep slopes, with higher snowpack load you may trigger wet snow avalanche especially on steep terrain. Snowpack refreezes overnight. Sunday afternoon initially rain, slightly increasing slab danger. Cooling Sunday to Monday night decreases it. Some new snow only in high mountains.



Next issue: Monday, 20. 4. 2020



Source: ARSO