Snow conditions 19.10.2020

The danger is level 2 on the European five-level scale - MODERATE.

Main problem: wet snow, drifted snow



Risk assessment

Avalanche danger is level 2 - MODERATE. Steep grassy slopes above about 1700 m elevation and steeper gullies are particularly dangerous. In the high mountains, west-facing slopes are especially hazardous, where slab avalanches can also be triggered. Below 1600 m elevation, the snowpack thickness decreases rapidly, so avalanche danger there is low.



Snow conditions

The snowpack settled and transformed over the weekend. Lower down, snow melted away, higher up crust formed on sun-exposed slopes. There was no strong wind. In the high mountains there is quite a bit of crust especially on west- and south-facing slopes. During the day, snow softens on sun-exposed slopes even in the high mountains, lower down where the snowpack is thinner it becomes soaked to the ground.



Forecast weather development

Monday will be partly clear with occasional increased cloudiness. Wind will be light, freezing level around 2000 m a.s.l. On Tuesday it will cloud over in the western and southern Julian Alps and in the hills of northern Primorska and Notranjska. Cloud layer top around 2100 m a.s.l. Southwesterly wind will start blowing. Warmer air will flow in, freezing level will rise above 3000 m a.s.l. On Wednesday in the eastern part of our mountains it will be partly clear with occasional increased cloudiness, some summits may occasionally be in clouds. Elsewhere cloudy and foggy, above about 2100 m mostly clear. In the western part of our hills and mountains drizzle or occasional light rain possible in the cloud layer. Moderate to strong west to southwesterly wind blowing. Freezing level high above the highest peaks. Similar weather on Thursday and Friday, on Friday precipitation somewhat more likely in the west. Still relatively warm.



Tendency of snow conditions

Due to warming and gradually more humid air, snow will settle and transform faster and also melt. In the mid-mountains it will likely melt away in many places by the end of the week, even in the high mountains the snowpack will thin considerably. Snow will become wet and soft. The snowpack will become saturated to the ground, so individual wet snow avalanches may release in steep gullies in the high mountains. These will be possible also on steep grassy slopes. Avalanche danger will remain MODERATE, level 2, in the high mountains above about 1900 m a.s.l., elsewhere it will gradually decrease.



Next issue: Friday, 23.10.2020



Source: ARSO