Snow conditions 20.1.2020
20.01.2020
Danger is level 2 on the European five-level scale - MODERATE.
Main problem: wind slab, wet snow
Danger pattern: cooling after warm weather / warming after cold
Risk assessment
Avalanche danger in mountains above 1800 m is MODERATE, level 2, lower down LOW. Avalanche conditions have not changed significantly. Steep southern slopes may be more dangerous, where there are small areas of wind slab. There you can trigger small slab avalanches. Due to the hard and partly icy surface, there is a higher risk of slipping.
Snow conditions
On Saturday there were minor precipitations. In the Julian Alps up to 10 cm of snow fell, elsewhere just a centimeter. Moderate north winds blew, which on exposed locations scoured snow down to the hard base. Especially on southern sides, small areas of wind slab formed. There are still extensive areas where the snowpack is crusty and hard. The old snowpack, especially on sunny and wind-exposed slopes, holds the weight of a person. However, there is a higher risk of slipping. Above 2200 m in shady locations, there are still areas with poorly settled snow, where the snow is also soft. There is quite a bit of wind slab in the form of dunes and pillows.
Forecast weather development
Today partly clear with occasional increased cloudiness, some peaks will occasionally be in clouds. Moderate northeast wind will blow. Temperature at 1500 m will be around -6 midday, at 2500 m -11 °C. On Tuesday mostly clear. Weak variable wind will blow. It will gradually warm up, temperature at 1500 m around 3 midday, at 2500 m around 0 °C. On Wednesday mostly clear. Initially weak to moderate westerly, towards evening weak to moderate northerly wind. Midday at 1500 m around 7, at 2500 m 3 °C.
Tendency of snow conditions
Today due to cold weather, avalanche conditions will not change. Tomorrow it will warm up, especially on sun-exposed slopes the snow on top will freeze. On Wednesday it will be even warmer, so snow on shady slopes will transform and also melt. The snowpack will freeze in the morning due to clear weather, during the day the snow will soften. On pronounced shady slopes, the possibility of small wet snow avalanches will increase. Steep grassy slopes will be more dangerous. In sunny locations, no major changes are expected.
Next issue: Thursday, 23.1.2020
Source: ARSO