Snow conditions 22.2.2012
22.02.2012
On Monday the snowfall ceased, on Tuesday it cleared up. It has gradually warmed up somewhat already. The wind was relatively weak, mostly from northern and eastern directions.
The snow cover is soft, in places blown into drifts. On sun-exposed slopes a crust is forming that breaks through. On shaded slopes the snow is light and dry. On Monday and Tuesday a few avalanches were triggered on steep slopes.
The snow cover still reaches the lowlands. At around 2000 m above sea level and higher there is 120 to 150 cm of snow, at 1500 m 70 to 110 cm. Even lower there is locally 20 to 40 cm of snow. Avalanche danger is degree 3. Steeper slopes are dangerous, especially spots with wind-drifted snow that can slide even with minor additional stress, spontaneous slab avalanches possible. On scoured spots there is danger of gliding.
Dry weather in the coming days. It will warm up noticeably, zero isotherm on Thursday at 2500 m, on Friday at 3200 m and on Saturday at 2300 m. The snow will settle and transform, especially on sun-exposed terrain where crust will form. Due to the warming the chance of spontaneous avalanching will increase somewhat.
New report will be issued on Friday, 24.2.2012.
General avalanche danger is degree 3 on the European five-level scale.
Source: ARSO