Snow conditions 19.4.2021

The danger is 2nd degree on the European five-level scale - MODERATE.
Main problem: wind slab
Danger pattern: Spring situation

Risk assessment
The avalanche danger above about 1700 m is MODERATE, 2nd degree, lower down LOW, 1st degree. Especially in the high mountains, steep slopes with wind-packed snow are dangerous, where under greater load on the snow cover you can trigger a slab avalanche. There are also wind slabs in places. On wind-exposed terrain there is a risk of glide.

Snow conditions
The state of the snowpack is varied and can differ considerably from place to place. In the dry and cold weather, the snow cover has mostly remained dry and frozen, even on sun-exposed slopes the sun's influence was less due to more cloudy weather. Wind-scoured spots and ridges are hard and icy. There are many slabs, mostly on the south and west sides of ridges and saddles, but in many places they have already bonded well with the base.

Forecast weather development
Today moderately to mostly cloudy, occasionally light snow in the eastern part of our mountains, but the amount will be negligible. Moderate, locally strengthening north to northeast wind will blow. Freezing level at about 1300 m. Tomorrow variable to mostly cloudy with occasional local precipitation, partly showers. Snow line at about 1400 m above sea level. Weak to moderate north wind. Freezing level at about 1600 m. On Wednesday and Thursday in the Julian Alps and in the western and central Karawanks mostly cloudy, further east less cloudy. Mainly in the afternoon local showers. Slightly warmer. Weak to moderate wind from westerly directions.

Tendency of snow conditions
There will not be much sunny weather in the future, so the sun will influence the transformation of the snowpack less than expected in April. The freezing level will remain below about 1900 m above sea level all days. Therefore, the avalanche conditions in the high mountains will change only slowly. In shaded terrain the snow will remain dry and frozen, on sun-exposed slopes on sunnier days it will crust somewhat and freeze at night, the crust will strengthen. In the mid-mountains lower it will melt, higher it will soften during the day and freeze at night. The snowpack will stabilize slowly. The main dangers will still be glides and slabs on steep slopes. In sunny weather, a small wet snow avalanche can also release from steep southern slopes especially in the mid-mountains.

Next issue: Wednesday, 21.4.2021

Source: ARSO