Snow conditions 20.11.2019

Danger is 3rd level on the European five-level scale - CONSIDERABLE.

Main problem: drifted snow

Danger pattern: Cold weather, unbonded fresh snow with wind



Risk assessment

Avalanche danger in the high mountains of the Julian Alps above sea level around 1800 m is CONSIDERABLE, 3rd level, below 1800 m and elsewhere in our mountains mostly LOW, 1st level. Medium and smaller avalanches of unbonded and partially bonded snow can release from sufficiently steep slopes. There are many wind slabs and cornices that can be triggered by even minor snowpack loading. Individual ground avalanches can also release from steep grassy slopes.



Snow conditions

Since Monday, with occasional precipitation, up to 20 cm of snow has fallen in the Julian Alps, elsewhere up to 10 cm. The snow line was mostly below 1500 m. The wind has slightly weakened but is still transporting snow to exposed locations. The zero isotherm is today at sea level around 2000 m. Above around 1900 m the snow is light and soft and sinks deeply. Lower down it has already settled somewhat due to positive temperatures, below around 1700 m it is also melting. There are many wind slabs and cornices, wind-exposed places are heavily scoured, with crust in places.



Forecast weather development

Cloudy weather with occasional light precipitation will prevail. Today they will be more frequent in the eastern part of our mountains, least likely in the western Julian Alps and western Karawanks. Moderate wind from eastern directions will blow. The snow line will be at sea level between 1400 and 1700 m, in the Upper Sava Valley even lower. Tomorrow there will be occasional light precipitation mainly in western areas, on Friday initially there but gradually spreading over central Slovenia. The snow line will mostly be between 1000 and 1300 m. Southwesterly wind will blow, on Friday more southerly.



Trend in snow conditions

In the high mountains the snowpack will settle and transform only slowly. There will not be much new snow and it will not significantly affect avalanche conditions. The wind will still transport snow to exposed locations and create new wind slabs. In mid-mountains the snowpack will settle faster and lower down also slowly melt. Avalanche danger will decrease only slowly in the high mountains, as temperatures will mostly be below zero, no sun, and wind will still accumulate snow. Especially dangerous will remain places with drifted snow on steeper slopes, where slab avalanches and also loose snow avalanches can still release spontaneously. An avalanche can be triggered at places with drifted snow even by minor snowpack loading. We recommend great caution!



Next issue: Friday, 22.11.2019



Source: ARSO