Snow conditions 24.2.2020

Danger is level 1 on the European five-level scale - LOW.

Main problem: wind slab, favourable conditions

Danger pattern: cooling after warm weather / warming after frost



Risk assessment

Avalanche danger is mostly LOW, level 1. Exceptionally, under heavy load you may trigger small slab avalanches. Many slopes are icy, so there is a greater RISK OF FALLS.



Snow conditions

At the end of the week it warmed up. Especially in the mid-mountains the snow cover has thinned, higher in the high mountains the snow cover especially on sun-exposed aspects softened during the day and froze at night. The warmer weather did not significantly affect avalanche conditions. Snow remains mostly hard and icy in places, during the day the snow cover softens somewhat especially below 2000 m a.s.l. and sinks slightly. Here and there are small slabs.



Forecast weather development

Today moderately to mostly cloudy and possibly foggy especially in the mid-mountains. More sunshine in the western Julian Alps. Towards evening clouds will break up. In the high mountains moderate northwesterly wind, lower mostly light variable wind. Temperature at 1500 m 2 to 4 during the day, at 2500 m around -1 °C. Tomorrow mostly cloudy, possibly foggy. Partly clear in the eastern part of the Kamnik-Savinja Alps and on Pohorje. In the afternoon light precipitation will start to appear, more in the southern and western Julian Alps. Snow line around 1900 m a.s.l. Temperature at 1500 m around 4, at 2500 m around -1 °C. On Wednesday mostly cloudy with precipitation. Showers and possibly thunderstorms will occur. Snow line will drop to the alpine valleys in the morning or forenoon. In the evening or first part of the night to Thursday snowfall will cease. Expected 10 to 30 cm of snow. Initially moderate southwesterly, during the day moderate northerly wind.



Trend of snow conditions

Avalanche conditions will not change much today. Avalanche danger LOW. Still great RISK OF FALLS. Exceptionally under heavy load small slab avalanches possible. Tomorrow with thawing below 2000 m a.s.l. snow cover will soften. On Wednesday it will snow onto a hard and icy base in places. New snow will bond poorly, therefore avalanche danger will INCREASE.



Next issue: Wednesday, 26.1.2020



Source: ARSO