Snow conditions 23.4.2019

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

Main problem: weak layers, wind slab, new snow

Danger pattern: Spring situation



Risk assessment

Avalanche danger in the high mountains of most of our mountains is currently LOW, 1st DEGREE, but it will INCREASE today due to precipitation especially in the western part of our mountains. Above the snow line, new snow will accumulate, initially dry but gradually wetter. Steep slopes in the high mountains will become more dangerous, especially in shady locations where poorly transformed snow, soaked by rain, and new snow may slide. South wind will form new wind slabs. Lower down, the snow cover is sufficiently transformed so that rain will not significantly increase avalanche likelihood.



Snow conditions

In recent days the snowpack has settled and transformed rapidly, somewhat poorer transformation of snow remained in shady high mountain locations, elsewhere snow is transformed and stable. In mid-mountains it has thinned considerably.



Forecast weather development

Ahead is a period of quite variable weather, with occasional precipitation especially in the western part of our mountains. Today cloudy and foggy with precipitation. Snow line will rise slowly and in the afternoon probably around 1900 m a.s.l. More precipitation in Julian Alps, least in the east. Strengthened south wind. Tomorrow in eastern Karawanks and Pohorje mostly cloudy at first, partially clearing in the afternoon. Elsewhere mostly cloudy and occasionally foggy. In Julians and western and central Karawanks occasional precipitation, more frequent in western Julian Alps. Snow line between 2200 and 2500 m a.s.l. Moderate to strengthened southwesterly. Thursday in Julian Alps mostly cloudy, elsewhere less cloudiness, most sun in the east. Mainly in Julian Alps individual showers. Strengthened southwesterly. Temperature above zero even on highest peaks. Friday cloud cover will thicken in the west with precipitation starting there, strengthening towards evening.



Trend in snow conditions

In the coming days due to warming the snowpack will become watery even in high mountains up to highest peaks. Thus new snow falling today and the poorly transformed snow layer in high mountains will destabilize. Individual wet snow avalanches may release from steep high mountain slopes. When clouds break, sun will contribute to destabilization on sun-exposed aspects. Wind slabs or new cornices forming on east and north sides of ridges and saddles will also be conditionally unstable.



Next issue: Friday, 26. 4. 2019



Source: ARSO