Snow conditions 17.4.2023

General danger level - Monday, 17. 4. 2023
The danger is level 3 on the European five-level scale - CONSIDERABLE.
Main problem: wind-drifted snow, wet snow
Danger pattern: Spring situation

Risk assessment
The avalanche danger in the high mountains above about 1800 m a.s.l. is CONSIDERABLE (considerable), level 3, below about 1800 m where old snow still persists, everywhere MODERATE, level 2. Especially dangerous are steep slopes in the high mountains and spots with wind-drifted snow where even a minor load can trigger a wind slab avalanche. Areas of unstable snowpack are difficult to identify. In the mid-mountains, more southerly snow fell initially, which bonded somewhat better to the base. Especially in the western Julian Alps with slightly less cloudy weather during the day, there is also a somewhat greater solar influence destabilizing snow on sun-exposed slopes during the day. Little spontaneous avalanching is expected, mainly individual small and medium-sized avalanches from steep slopes or gullies with wind-drifted snow are possible.

Snow conditions
The snowline is today at about 1900 m a.s.l. Higher up snow remains soft, lower down it crusts somewhat and freezes overnight. Crust is forming, in the high mountains wind crust in places. Wind-exposed areas are scoured and hard in places. Snow depth is uneven, snow conditions also largely depend on elevation, wind exposure and sun.

Forecast weather development
On Tuesday some sun especially in the western Julian Alps, elsewhere mostly cloudy and foggy in places. No significant precipitation. Mostly light northeasterly wind. On Wednesday variable to mostly cloudy. Especially in the afternoon local showers, above about 1500 m snowy. Light wind of variable direction. On Thursday cloudy and foggy. Occasional local precipitation, partly showers, more likely in the western and central parts of our mountains and more frequent midday and afternoon. Especially in the Julian Alps up to 10 cm snow possible. Light wind mostly southeasterly or southerly.

Tendency of snow conditions
Snow and avalanche conditions will not change significantly by Thursday. New snow on Thursday will not substantially alter conditions. Avalanche release danger will thus above about 1800 m a.s.l. be CONSIDERABLE (considerable), level 3, lower down MODERATE, level 2. In the high mountains fresh snow deposits will mainly pose danger where even minor loading can trigger wind slab avalanches. Conditions will be demanding. Even lower down great caution needed especially with possible sunny weather.

Next publication: Thursday, 20. 4. 2023

Source: ARSO