Snow conditions 20.5.2019

Danger is 2nd degree on the European five-level scale - MODERATE.

Main problem: weak layers, wind slab, wet snow, new snow

Danger pattern: Spring situation



Risk assessment

Avalanche danger in the high mountains above about 2000 m elevation is MODERATE, 2nd degree, lower down mostly LOW, 1st degree. Steep slopes are particularly dangerous, where wet snow avalanches can be triggered especially during the day due to warming. In the high mountains, wind slab areas are still dangerous, where with greater snowpack loading you can trigger primarily slab avalanches.



Snow conditions

Snow is settling and transforming relatively quickly, lower down melting. The snow line was mostly between 2200 and 2500 m above sea level at the end of the week. During short sunny periods, snow even above the zero isotherm on sun-exposed slopes became wet during the day and froze at night. The snowpack is soft and wet, only in the highest high mountain areas soft or crusty. Many wind slabs especially on western and southern sides of ridges and saddles. Wind-exposed spots are scoured.



Forecast weather development

Weather will remain very variable. Today some sun in the eastern part of our mountains, elsewhere mostly cloudy and locally foggy with occasional precipitation. Snow line mostly between 1800 and 2000 m. Moderate southwest wind. Tomorrow initially cloudy and foggy with frequent precipitation, gradually subsiding in the afternoon. Snow line somewhat higher than today. Southwest wind turning west or northwest in the afternoon. Wednesday and Thursday more sunny, isolated showers in the afternoon. Slightly warmer.



Trend in snow conditions

By tomorrow noon around 30 cm new snow in the western Julian Alps, which will likely bond well with the base. Below snow line rain will further wet the snowpack. Thus slight increase in possibility of spontaneous small avalanches from steep slopes - above snow line new snow avalanches, lower down wetted snowpack avalanches. With sunnier weather from Wednesday to Friday snowpack somewhat more labile during day especially sunlit aspects, freezing at night. Second half of week and weekend warmer air mass overhead and snow transforming and settling quickly even on highest peaks.



Next issue: Thursday, 23. 5. 2019



Source: ARSO