Snow conditions 21.2.2020

The danger is level 1 on the European five-level scale - LOW.

Main problem: wind slab, favourable conditions

Danger pattern: cooling after warm weather / warming after frost



Risk assessment

Avalanche danger is mostly LOW, level 1. Exceptionally, under heavy load you may trigger small slab avalanches. Many slopes are icy, therefore increased RISK OF FALLS.



Snow conditions

Dry and cold weather has not significantly affected avalanche conditions. Snow remains mostly hard and icy in places, on some areas a few centimetres of powder on this base. Small slabs here and there.



Forecast weather development

Today mostly clear. Moderate to strong north wind blowing, weakening in the evening. Freezing level at about 2400 m a.s.l., but colder air layer also lower. Tomorrow mostly clear with some cirrus clouds. Weak southwesterly wind. During the day warmer air will flow in. Sunday partly clear with increased amount of cirrus clouds, which may occasionally be quite dense. Weak to moderate west to southwest wind. Cloudiness will start building in the mid-mountains of western and southern Julian Alps and in the foothills. Monday mostly cloudy.



Trend in snow conditions

Avalanche conditions will not change much. On Saturday and Sunday due to sunny weather and warm air mass snow will crust during the day on sun-exposed slopes, refreeze at night. Avalanche danger will be LOW. Still high RISK OF FALLS. Exceptionally under heavy load you may trigger small slab avalanches.



Next issue: Monday, 24. 2. 2020



Source: ARSO