Snow conditions 21.11.2016

General avalanche danger level - Monday, 21.11.2016

The danger is level 2 on the European 5-level scale - MODERATE.

Main problem: fresh snow

Danger pattern: vn4 Cooling after warm weather / warming after frost



Risk assessment

The avalanche risk in the high mountains, above about 2200 m a.s.l., is MODERATE, level 2. Elsewhere, the danger is LOW. Particularly dangerous are places with windpacked snow and steep slopes where you can trigger an avalanche. Lower down, there is almost no snow left.



Snow conditions

In the mountains, the unseasonably warm weather with occasional precipitation continues. The heaviest was on Friday afternoon and Saturday. The snow line was at about 2400 m a.s.l., so it mostly snowed between 2000 and 2200 m above sea level. Lower down, the snow has mostly melted, above about 2200 m up to about 40 cm of snow has fallen. The new snow is soft and light and sinks deeply. During snowfall, the snow was dry only on the highest peaks, lower down wet, so the bond with the old snow cover is mostly good. South and southwesterly wind has formed wind slabs and cornices, which are currently the main hazard.



Forecast weather development

Variable and warm weather will continue with occasional local precipitation. On Pohorje and in the eastern Karawanks it will mostly be dry. Snow line at about 2500 m a.s.l. or even higher! Moderate, occasionally strengthening south to southwesterly wind will blow, which in the high mountains will transport snow and form new wind slabs.



Tendency of snow conditions

The snow cover in the high mountains will slowly settle. Occasional snowfall during the week is not expected to be so heavy as to increase avalanche danger. Below about 2200 m there will be no snow or the last remnants will presumably melt. Conditions will not change much by Friday.



General avalanche danger is level 2 on the European 5-level scale.



Next issue: Friday, 25.11.2016



Source: ARSO