Snow conditions 19.3.2019
19.03.2019
The danger is level 3 on the European five-level scale - CONSIDERABLE.
Main problem: new snow, weak layers, wind-blown snow
Danger pattern: Cooling after warm weather / warming after frost
Danger pattern: Spring situation
Risk assessment
The avalanche danger is currently CONSIDERABLE, level 3, in most of our mountains. New snow has fallen on a mostly hard base, creating a weak layer in the snowpack. Numerous wind slabs have formed due to strong northerly winds. Due to the weak layer and wind-blown snow, avalanches can be triggered by a minor load on sufficiently steep slopes. From steep slopes, individual loose new snow avalanches may still release spontaneously today.
Snow conditions
10 to 50 cm of snow has fallen in the mountains, the most in the Julian Alps and central Karawanks areas, the least in the eastern Karawanks and on Pohorje. The amount also depends on altitude. Mostly the snow has persisted above about 500 m a.s.l., lower in southern Slovenia. The snow is light and soft. There is considerable wind-blown snow, many wind slabs, cornices and slabs. Wind-exposed sites are scoured to the ground in many places.
Forecast weather development
Today cloudy with no significant precipitation. In the western Julian Alps, clouds will break in the afternoon, elsewhere mostly not yet. Moderate northeast wind. Temperatures below freezing. Cold and windy tomorrow too, mostly clear, with some clouds in the afternoon mainly in the eastern part of our mountains. Thursday and Friday mostly clear. Wind weakening. Thursday quick warming at altitude, afternoon freezing level already above about 2200 m a.s.l. Slightly warmer Friday. Both days weak easterly wind.
Tendency of snow conditions
The snowpack will transform only slowly over the next two days due to low temperatures, tomorrow somewhat faster on sun-exposed slopes where, due to solar influence, the snow will settle during the day and a thin crust will begin to form due to night-time freezing. On Thursday, the snow will initially become more unstable due to warming. From steep sun-exposed slopes, individual loose settled snow avalanches may release. In shade aspects, the snowpack will remain soft longer.
Next issue: Friday, 22. 3. 2019
Source: ARSO