Snow conditions 22.3.2019

Danger level is 2 on the European five-level scale - MODERATE.

Main problem: weak layers, wind slab, new snow

Danger pattern: Spring situation

Danger pattern: Cooling after warm weather / warming after cold



Risk assessment

Avalanche danger above about 1700 m is MODERATE, level 2. Lower down it is LOW, level 1, in the morning and partly forenoon, then on sun-exposed slopes it increases to MODERATE, level 2 due to daytime heating. The sun also somewhat destabilizes the snowpack above 1700 m. Steep slopes in the high mountains are particularly dangerous, especially where there is wind slab, where with greater load on the snowpack you can trigger a small avalanche. Similarly in the mid-mountains midday and afternoon on sunny aspects.



Snow conditions

Snow that fell at the beginning of the week has settled considerably on sun-exposed slopes in the mid-mountains and a crust has formed on the surface. In shady areas and higher up in the mountains, where it was cold enough even during the day, the snow is still mostly soft but becoming crusty due to warming on sunny slopes. Especially on south and west sides of ridges and saddles there is quite a bit of wind slab, wind-exposed areas are scoured to the old, hard and partly icy base in places.



Forecast weather development

Today and tomorrow mostly clear. Weak northeast wind blowing. Warm, zero isotherm at the level of the highest peaks or even a bit higher. On Sunday occasional mostly cumulus clouds, weak wind from southeast directions. Still relatively warm. On Monday it will cloud over in the morning and precipitation will start from the north. It will cool quickly and the snow line will descend.



Tendency of snow conditions

The top layer of newer snow will settle and transform quickly until Sunday inclusive and melt lower down. Due to nighttime freezing, the crust will strengthen in the high mountains and in cold hollows. The snowpack will stabilize slowly.



Next issue: Monday, 25. 3. 2019



Source: ARSO