Snow conditions 1 May 2024
2.05.2024
General danger level - Wednesday, 1 May 2024
Danger is level 2 on the European five-level scale - MODERATE.
Main problem: drifted snow, wet snow
Danger pattern: Cooling after warm weather / thawing after cold
Risk assessment
Avalanche danger above around 1800 m is MODERATE, level 2, lower SMALL, level 1. With thawing and rain, snow avalanches are possible especially in high mountains, which can release spontaneously or while skiing. In mid-mountains there is little snow.
Snow conditions
The snowpack during spring thaw has daily at higher elevations rapidly transformed, settled and melted. In many places the surface layer became so unstable midday that even larger wet snow avalanches released spontaneously. Due to cloudiness and fog snow is now also wet in higher elevations of high mountains. The 0 °C isotherm is currently at altitude around 2600 m. Snow from the last snowfall has in mid-mountains mostly melted away.
Forecast weather development
Overnight to Thursday and Thursday daytime frequent local precipitation. Isolated thunderstorms possible. Mountains mostly shrouded in cloud. Moderate wind blowing, in high mountains possibly strong southerly winds. Snow line initially at altitude around 2500 m, Thursday dropping to 2100 m. Temperature at 1500 m around 6, at 2500 m around 0 °C. Friday a weakened cold front passes from northeast. In mountains cloudy and foggy, frequent precipitation. Snow line between 1700 and 2100 m. Moderate northerly wind. Temperature at 1500 m around 3, at 2500 m around -2 °C. Saturday precipitation weakens and mostly stops afternoon, remains mostly cloudy and foggy. Temperature similar to Friday. Sunday dry weather with some sun. Noticeably warmer. 0 °C isotherm around 3000 m.
Trend in snow conditions
Avalanche danger increases again due to rain and in higher elevations of high mountains due to new snow. Precipitation unevenly distributed. In high mountains initially new slabs form on northern aspects, Friday also on southern aspects.
Next publication: Friday, 3 May 2024
Source: ARSO