Snow conditions 22.1.2020
22.01.2020
The danger is level 2 on the European five-level scale - MODERATE.
Main problem: wet snow
Danger pattern: Cooling after warm weather / warming after frost
Risk assessment
Avalanche danger in the Julian Alps is above sea level around 1800 m, elsewhere above around 2000 m, MODERATE, level 2, lower down LOW. Avalanche conditions have not changed significantly. Steep southern slopes may be more dangerous, where there are smaller areas of wind-drifted snow. There you can trigger small slab avalanches. Due to the hard and partly icy surface, there is a greater risk of slipping. Due to warming, however, in the middle of the day and afternoon on steeper sun-exposed slopes, an avalanche of wind-drifted, faceted snow may release.
Snow conditions
Dry weather has prevailed in recent days. On Monday it was still cold, on Tuesday with warming on sun-exposed slopes the snow had already become faceted in places during the day and refroze at night. The snowpack is mostly crusty and hard, only in places with wind-drifted snow, which mainly fell in the Julian Alps at the end of the week, is the snow softer. The old snowpack, especially on sunny and wind-exposed slopes, holds the weight of a skier. There is a high risk of slipping. Above 2200 m in shaded areas there are still areas with poorly settled snow, where the snow is also soft. There is considerable wind-drifted snow in the form of dunes and cornices.
Forecast weather development
Today it will be mostly clear with some high clouds. Relatively warm with temperature inversion, dry air. Tomorrow, Thursday, in the layer below sea level around 1500 m it will temporarily cool slightly, especially on eastern slopes some clouds may appear. On Friday most of the day will be quite clear and warm, but a southwesterly wind will start blowing.
Trend in snow conditions
Avalanche conditions will not change significantly by Friday. During the day the snow on sun-exposed slopes will become somewhat faceted and refreeze at night, there the snow that fell at the end of the week will transform and the crust will strengthen. Elsewhere no major changes. In the middle of the day and afternoon, areas with wind-drifted snow on southern slopes will be somewhat more unstable, you may trigger a slab avalanche more easily. High risk of slipping remains.
Next issue: Friday, 24.1.2020
Source: ARSO