Snow conditions 20.2.2023

General avalanche danger level - Monday, 20. 2. 2023
The danger is 2nd degree on the European five-level scale - MODERATE.
Main problem: weak layers, wet snow
Danger pattern: Spring situation

Risk assessment
The avalanche danger is currently LOW, 1st degree, but increases during the day on sun-exposed slopes and above 1500 m is MODERATE, 2nd degree. With daytime thawing, a spontaneous wet snow avalanche or gliding avalanche is possible. Steep grassy slopes and gullies are more dangerous. Especially on shadier sides, weak layers are present in the snowpack; with heavy loading, a small slab avalanche can be triggered. This applies particularly in transition zones between thinner and thicker snow cover. Due to daytime melting and nighttime freezing, especially in the morning and in shade, slipping is possible.

Snow conditions
Dry and relatively warm weather continues in the mountains. At night, snow mostly refreezes due to dry air and softens during the day on sun-exposed slopes, and melts in lower areas. There, it sinks deeply under human weight. In shady high-mountain areas, conditions remain largely unchanged. Snow is mostly covered with crust formed by wind or daytime thaw and nighttime freezing. On wind-exposed sites, snow is wind-packed to the firm base. Slabs and wind slabs still exist, well bonded to the base. Due to daytime warming and solar influence, individual wet snow avalanches have released on sun-exposed slopes in the past two days.

Forecast weather development
Today, Monday, mostly clear, zero isotherm in the afternoon above the highest peaks. Wind light, mostly westerly. Tomorrow, Tuesday, initially moderately to mostly cloudy, clearing in the forenoon. Especially in the mid-mountain areas of the southern Julian Alps and in the hills of northern Primorska and Notranjska, also foggy up to about 1400 m elevation. Wind light and variable, above about 2000 m light northwesterly. Zero isotherm above the highest peaks, slight cooling by evening. Due to relatively dense stratus cloudiness, nighttime freezing less pronounced. Wednesday partly clear with occasional denser stratus clouds. Light southwesterly wind. Zero isotherm at the level of the highest summits. Thursday and Friday mostly cloudy, occasional light precipitation possible. Zero isotherm drops below 1600 m elevation Thursday afternoon. Southwesterly wind strengthens somewhat.

Trend in snow conditions
The gradual transformation process of the snowpack with daytime melting and nighttime freezing continues. This process will be more pronounced especially on sunny aspects, much slower in gullies. Avalanche danger mostly low, only on sun-exposed slopes increasing late morning and afternoon, when a spontaneous wet snow avalanche is also possible.

Next issue: Thursday, 23. 2. 2023

Source: ARSO