Snow conditions 23.4.2021

Danger level is 2 on the European five-level scale - MODERATE.
Main problems: wind-blown snow, wet snow, new snow
Danger pattern: Spring situation
Danger pattern: Cooling after warm weather / warming after cold

Risk assessment
Avalanche danger is mostly LOW, level 1. During the day in sunny weather, snow on sunny slopes will soften and become somewhat less stable, avalanche danger above sea level around 1700 m increases and is MODERATE, level 2. Especially in the high mountains, steep slopes with wind-blown snow are therefore dangerous, where with greater snowpack loading you can trigger a slab avalanche. With warming, midday and in the afternoon especially on sun-facing slopes, individual smaller wet snow avalanches are also possible. Cornices are still present in places. Gliding danger is greatest in the morning and early forenoon, higher in the high mountains and in shady areas all day.

Snow conditions
The snowpack condition varies considerably from place to place. Conditions on sun-exposed slopes are typically spring-like. Especially in the high mountains and in shadier areas, the upper snow layer is still poorly metamorphosed, there are many slabs, wind deposits and cornices, which have however bonded relatively well with the base. In distinctly leeward shady areas there is also some dry and soft snow. Wind-scoured areas and ridges are hard and icy. The snow cover will soften during the day, especially on sun-facing slopes, and freeze at night.

Forecast weather development
Today mostly sunny. Weak winds from northern directions will blow. Freezing level initially around 1600 m, in the afternoon it will already rise to around 2000 m above sea level. Tomorrow and Sunday mostly clear. Freezing level at sea level around 2500 m. Weak northwesterlies in the high mountains, lower weak winds of variable direction. On Sunday towards evening it will start clouding over, isolated showers possible. On Monday cloudy and locally foggy and cooler. Occasional snow in the mountains, snow line already on Monday morning at sea level around 800 m.

Trend in snow conditions
By the end of the week, snow and avalanche conditions in the mountains will be typically spring-like. At night the snowpack will be frozen, during the day it will soften, only in shady areas of the high mountains it will remain frozen and dry. Snow will melt lower down, higher up the crust will strengthen. Avalanche danger will be low in the morning and early forenoon, moderate in the rest of the day on sun-exposed slopes. From steep slopes a smaller wet snow avalanche may release, a cornice may collapse, but not very high in the high mountains. At locations with wind-blown snow you can trigger a slab avalanche with greater loading. On ridges of the high mountains, lower mainly in the morning and early forenoon, there will also be gliding danger.

Next issue: Monday, 26. 4. 2021

Source: ARSO