Snow conditions 23.2.2015
23.02.2015
Avalanche danger is 3rd degree,
in areas where there was little old snow or snow fell on bare ground, 1st degree.
On Sunday it snowed in the mountains, the snow line was at altitudes between around 600 and 900 m. 10 to 20 cm of snow fell, which bonded poorly with the old, crusty base. An avalanche can be triggered with minor loading of the snowpack, especially on steeper slopes and areas with wind-blown snow.
On sun-exposed slopes, snow softens during the day, so attention to possible snow slides, especially on steeper grassy areas, is advisable.
SNOW CONDITIONS
On Saturday it was mostly dry, quite cloudy weather. A strong southwest wind was blowing. The freezing level was at around 1800 m. The snowpack only softened and transformed below the zero isotherm level. On Sunday, 10 to 20 cm of snow fell, which the south wind blew into drifts. The new snow bonded only poorly with the crusty and partly icy base.
The snowpack depth is quite uneven. At 2500 m altitude, snow depth is around 180 cm, at 1500 m around 110 cm, at 1000 m from 30 to around 70 cm. Significant snow cover extends to around 800 m altitude.
CURRENT SNOWPACK STATUS
The snowpack is mostly soft. There are many drifts and slabs that are relatively unstable. Ridges are mostly quite wind-scoured and therefore hard and icy in places, but in some areas the snow is scoured down to bare ground.
FORECAST WEATHER DEVELOPMENT
Today it will be mostly cloudy and mostly dry. Temperatures in the mountains will remain below zero. The wind will be relatively light. Tomorrow it will be cloudy and foggy with snowfall, the wind will strengthen. In the high mountains, the wind will mostly be from the south, lower down easterly or northeasterly. New drifts will form continuously. The combined Tuesday and Sunday snow will thicken the unstable snow layer, which may release on the old, crusty base.
TRENDS IN SNOW CONDITIONS
Avalanche danger will remain or increase in much of our mountains due to new snow on Tuesday in areas with currently lower risk levels.
Next report will be published on Wednesday, 25.2.2015
Source: ARSO