Snow conditions 23.1.2019

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

Main problem: wind-drifted snow

Pattern of danger: Snowfall after a longer period of frost

Pattern of danger: Cold weather, fresh snow not bonded with wind



Risk assessment

Avalanche danger is MODERATE, level 2, above about 1500 m altitude, below that LOW, level 1. Especially in places with wind-drifted snow, on sufficiently steep slopes with greater load on the snowpack, you can trigger an avalanche. On wind-scoured ridges, there is locally a danger of slides.



Snow conditions

The snowpack is soft and powdery, in drifts somewhat denser in places. Wind-exposed sites are quite scoured, in sheltered locations there are crusts in places. The new snow has settled a bit more, but due to low temperatures, it has hardly transformed. Light snowfall last night brought a few more centimetres of powdery snow locally. There is a weak layer in the snowpack along which a slab of cohesive, dry snow can be triggered upon loading.



Forecast weather development

Today it will be cloudy and foggy, with occasional light snowfall in places, more likely in the western half of our mountains. Weak to moderate east to southeast wind will blow, in the afternoon in the high mountains also southwest wind. Tomorrow during the day it will partly clear up, but some layered cloudiness will remain high above the summits. Moderate northeast wind will blow. On Friday, dry and cold weather will continue. Partly clear, with occasional cloudiness mainly in the eastern part of our mountains. Moderate to strong north to northeast wind will blow.



Tendency of snow conditions

The snow will remain soft, and the wind will create new drifts. Due to low temperatures, it will transform and bond only slowly. Avalanche danger in the mountains will mostly be MODERATE, level 2.



Next issue: Saturday, 26.1.2019



Source: ARSO