Snow conditions 24.5.2021

The danger is 3rd degree on the European five-level scale - CONSIDERABLE.
Main problem: wet snow, new snow
Danger pattern: Spring situation

Risk assessment
Avalanche danger is in the high mountains above about 2200 m above sea level CONSIDERABLE, 3rd degree, lower and elsewhere above about 1800 m above sea level MODERATE, 2nd degree, in the rest of the mountains LOW, 1st degree. In the high mountains of the Julian Alps above about 2200 m there is considerable new snow which can release from steep slopes, the danger will be increased by today's thaw and rain. There are many wind slabs. Lower down, individual wet snow avalanches can release from steep slopes or gullies. In the mid-mountains the snow is mostly stable.

Snow conditions
At the end of the week, especially in the high mountains of the Julian Alps, about 50 cm of snow fell. There the snow is soft and wet, only partially bonded to the base. Today it is warming at altitude, snowfall will turn to rain up to the highest summits. The new snow will therefore soak and become more unstable. Lower down rain will soak the snowpack, which will become softer, otherwise well transformed and settled.

Forecast weather development
Today cloudy and foggy with precipitation, more in the western part of our mountains, considerably less in the east. Snow line will rise to the highest summits. South wind strengthening. Tomorrow variable to mostly cloudy and occasionally foggy. Local showers forming, above about 2000 m snowy. Light to moderate southwest wind blowing. Freezing level at about 2600 m above sea level. Wednesday and Thursday mostly sunny, isolated showers possible Thursday evening. Freezing level approximately at the height of the highest summits.

Trend of snow conditions
Today due to thaw in high mountains primarily the snow that fell at the end of the week and today before thaw can slide. Steep slopes and gullies and areas with wind-deposited snow will be dangerous. Lower down primarily steep gullies can slide, individual slab avalanches possible from steep slopes in high mountains due to water-saturated snowpack. In the following days danger will decrease. From Wednesday on daily freeze-thaw cycle characteristic, when snow due to sun during day on sun-exposed slopes will additionally wetten and become more unstable. Little spontaneous sliding, but you can trigger small snow avalanche primarily at wind-deposited snow areas and steep slopes.

Next issue: Wednesday, 26. 5. 2021

Source: ARSO