Snow conditions 21.4.2021

The danger is level 2 on the European five-level scale - MODERATE.
Main problem: wind-blown snow, wet snow
Danger pattern: Spring situation

Risk assessment
Avalanche danger above sea level around 1700 m is MODERATE, level 2, lower down LOW, level 1. Especially in the high mountains, steep slopes with wind-blown snow are dangerous, where under greater snowpack loading you can trigger a slab avalanche. With warming, midday and afternoon especially on sun-exposed slopes, individual small to medium wet snow avalanches may also occur. There are still wind slabs in places. On wind-exposed locations, there is a risk of gliding.

Snow conditions
The snowpack condition can vary considerably from place to place. With showers, a few centimetres of fresh snow have fallen again. Due to slightly warmer weather, the snow base from the last major snowfall has begun to transform faster. Conditions on sunlit slopes are typically spring-like. Especially in the high mountains and in shadier locations, the upper snow layer is still poorly transformed, there are many slabs, deposits and wind slabs that have bonded relatively well with the base. In distinctly leeward locations there is also some dry and loose snow. Wind-scoured spots and ridges are hard and icy. The snowpack will soften during the day, especially on sun-facing slopes, and freeze at night.

Expected weather development
This morning mostly clear, midday and afternoon variable cloudiness, some slopes and summits occasionally in clouds. More cloudiness in the western Julian Alps. Especially in the afternoon, local snow showers will form. Weak westerly winds will blow, strengthening somewhat in the afternoon. Temperature at 1500 m around 3, at 2500 m around -4 °C. On Thursday, slopes of the western and southern Julian Alps will be wrapped in fog. Elsewhere initially partly clear, afternoon variable cloudiness. Local snow showers will form. Weak westerly winds will blow. Temperature at 1500 m around 3, at 2500 m around -3 °C. On Friday initially mostly cloudy and foggy in many places. During the day variable cloudiness, still some snow showers will form. In the high mountains a weak northwester, lower down easterly winds. Midday temperature at 1500 m around 3, at 2500 m around -3 °C. On Saturday mostly clear, on Sunday occasionally more variable cloudiness. Weak winds will blow. Warmer. Zero isotherm at sea level around 2500 m.

Trend in snow conditions
In the coming days, spring conditions will prevail. The snowpack will freeze at night, crust will form in places, during the day the snow will soften and melt in the mid-mountains. Due to variable cloudiness, this process will be slower than it would be in clearer weather. In sunny weather, a small wet snow avalanche may also release from steep southern slopes. In shadier high mountain locations, conditions will remain largely unchanged, snow will remain dry and frozen. The snowpack will stabilize slowly. The main dangers will still be glides and slabs on steep slopes, by the end of the week due to warming also individual southern snow avalanches.

Next issue: Friday, 23. 4. 2021

Source: ARSO