Snow conditions 20.3.2023

General danger level - Monday, 20. 3. 2023
The danger is level 2 on the European five-level scale - MODERATE.
Main problem: wind-drifted snow, wet snow
Danger pattern: Spring situation

Risk assessment
The avalanche danger is currently in the Julian Alps above about 2000 m MODERATE, level 2. Steep south-facing slopes are particularly hazardous, where due to daily thawing we expect spontaneous wet snow slab avalanches. In the high mountains, there may be wind-drifted snow in places, and with greater load you may trigger a small slab avalanche. Wind-exposed locations are scoured to the old, frozen base, so there is a risk of slipping there.

Snow conditions
In the mountains, temperatures have risen significantly in recent days. Especially on steep south-facing slopes in the high mountains, the snow has softened during the day. In more shaded locations, the snow has transformed much more slowly due to dry air. Particularly on the southern and western sides of ridges and saddles, there are areas with wind-drifted snow. Wind-exposed locations are scoured to the old base, which is hard and icy in places. In the mid-mountains, there are already many bare spots.

Forecast weather development
On Monday it will be mostly cloudy and foggy in places. Smaller local precipitation may occur, the snow line will be at elevations between 1600 and 1800 m. A light east to northeast wind will blow. Temperature at 1500 m around 3°C, at 2500 m around -3°C. Tomorrow mostly sunny, with some variable cloudiness developing during the day. A light east to southeast wind will blow. On Wednesday mostly sunny, a light southwest wind will blow. It will warm up, the zero isotherm will reach the height of our highest peaks. On Thursday with more cloudiness and still high temperatures.

Trend in snow conditions
Sun and warming will affect snow and avalanche conditions. The snowpack will soften on sun-exposed slopes during the day, and lower down the snow will also melt. Avalanche conditions will change during the day. From late morning to late afternoon, the possibility of spontaneous release of cohesive or non-cohesive wet snow on steep south-facing slopes will increase. North-facing slopes will be safer, there mainly watch out for slabs and weak layers in the snowpack. On Wednesday and Thursday, avalanche danger will increase due to warming. Since the zero isotherm will rise to about 3000 m, the snow will not freeze at night.

Next issue: Thursday, 23. 3. 2023

Source: ARSO