Snow conditions 21.3.2016

RISK ASSESSMENT



Avalanche danger is 2nd degree.



The snowpack is only conditionally stable. In sunny weather, snow on sun-exposed slopes thaws and softens during the day, so ground avalanches are possible on steep, grassy slopes in the afternoon. Only on northern slopes in the high mountains is the snow still poorly transformed, so the surface layers are poorly bonded to the underlying layers. There are many slabs. An avalanche can be triggered by greater additional loading of the snowpack, especially on steep slopes and at locations with wind-blown snow; there is also a higher likelihood on sun-exposed slopes at midday and in the afternoon. In the morning hours, there is a risk of slipping locally due to the hard, partly icy surface.





SNOW CONDITIONS and CURRENT STATE OF THE SNOWPACK



In the mountains it was sunny. The freezing level was at about 2000 m a.s.l. The snowpack was settling and transforming, thawing during the day and freezing at night. Lower down it was also melting. Only on northern sides in the high mountains the snow remained poorly transformed and dry.



In the Julian Alps at 2500 m there is from 340 to about 430 cm of snow, at 1500 m from 180 to about 300 cm, at 1000 m up to about 30 cm. Elsewhere in our mountains at 1500 m from 60 to about 110 cm of snow, less towards the east. Significant snowpack starts at about 800 m a.s.l., higher on sun-exposed aspects.



The snowpack is mostly covered with crust, in places the snow is also hard. Only in sheltered shady locations in the high mountains is it still soft and dry locally. There are many wind drifts and slabs. On wind-exposed locations the snow is quite wind-packed. On sun-exposed slopes there is quite a lot of wet snow, which with daily warming increases the danger of ground avalanches on steeper slopes.





FORECAST WEATHER DEVELOPMENT



Today it will be moderately, occasionally mainly in the east mostly cloudy. Especially in the afternoon small local precipitation is possible. Weak to moderate winds from westerly directions will blow.



Tomorrow it will initially be mostly cloudy, small precipitation possible. In the morning it will partly clear, and some short-lived shower may develop. It will cool somewhat, 0 degrees at about 1500 m a.s.l.



On Wednesday moderately to mostly cloudy and mostly dry. Slightly colder.





TENDENCY OF SNOW CONDITIONS



The snowpack will continue settling and transforming, especially today when it will still be relatively warm. The influence of the sun will be less than on previous days, so there will not be such a pronounced difference between morning and midday. In the high mountains snow will remain dry in shady locations.



On steep southern slopes individual ground avalanches will still be possible especially today, from tomorrow onwards less likely. An avalanche can be triggered by greater additional loading of the snowpack on steeper slopes and at locations with wind-blown snow. In the morning and early forenoon the snow is hard and there is a risk of slipping locally.





Next report will be issued on WEDNESDAY, 23.3.2016 in the morning.



Source: ARSO