Snow conditions 21.12.2020

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

Main problems: wind slab, wet snow, gliding snow



Danger assessment

Avalanche danger is currently MODERATE, level 2 above 1400 m elevation, LOW, level 1 lower down. Due to warming below around 2000 m elevation, steep grassy slopes and gullies are particularly dangerous where wet snow avalanches can release; gliding avalanches may also form on south-facing slopes. In the high mountains, areas with wind slab are dangerous, most numerous on the northern and eastern sides of ridges and passes. In these areas, you can trigger slab avalanches with greater snowpack loading.



Snowpack conditions

Due to warming, the snowpack continues to transform and settle more rapidly, and in the mid-mountains it has also melted. The snow line was at elevations from 1600 to 1900 m; below, snow was mostly wet and did not freeze overnight due to cloudy weather. Slightly higher up, ice crust formed locally on the snow surface due to fog and occasional precipitation. In the high mountains, an occasionally strong southwest wind blew, building cornices and new slabs on northern and eastern slopes. In many places, wind scoured snow to a hard base, and some slopes became icy. Snow is crusty with many slabs; there is relatively little dry, unprocessed snow. There is also considerable gliding risk in the high mountains.



Forecast

Today mostly cloudy and foggy in mid-mountains, with occasional clearing in high mountains. Occasional drizzle or light rain especially in hills of western half of Slovenia. Mostly light westerly winds. Temperature at 1500 m around 2, at 2500 m -2 °C. Tuesday mostly cloudy with some fog. Light to moderate southwest wind. Even warmer! Temperature at 1500 m around 5, at 2500 m 2 °C. Wednesday clearing especially in high mountains, but cloudier and foggy remaining in hills of western Slovenia with occasional drizzle or light rain. Southwest wind strengthening. Still relatively warm.



Snowpack evolution tendency

Avalanche release danger will remain MODERATE, level 2; south slopes particularly dangerous where wet snow avalanches may release, and gliding avalanches possible on grassy terrain. Snowpack will melt faster in mid-mountains. Even on sun-exposed sites in high mountains, snow will wet during the day and freeze at night, with increasing icy surfaces.



Next bulletin: Wednesday, 23.12.2020



Source: ARSO