Snow conditions 25.1.2021

The danger is level 3 on the European five-level scale - CONSIDERABLE.

Main problem: wind-blown snow, weak layers, new snow



Risk assessment

The avalanche danger is CONSIDERABLE, level 3, above sea level around 1500 m, lower down mostly MODERATE, level 2. After the thaw and abundant snowfall in the high mountains, the weather has cooled, the snowpack has somewhat stabilized. Nevertheless, conditions are very demanding especially in the high mountains. There is much wind-blown snow that can release with minor snowpack loading. Especially on steeper slopes, in gullies, spontaneous release is expected locally. Due to the thick snowpack, additional cracks will appear mainly on steeper slopes, and individual gliding avalanches may occur. Below 1500 m, the snowpack has stabilized better due to cooling, nevertheless at exposed spots gliding of wet snow that has not fully frozen can occur. Smaller new slab avalanches can also be triggered.



Snow conditions

With pronounced thaw with rain and higher up large amounts of new snow, unusually large avalanches formed in the mountains in past days. In the high mountains, the snowpack is record-thick for this time, much snow also in mid-mountains, below 1000 m the depth thins rapidly. In high mountains snow is light and penetrates deeply, at wind-exposed spots snow is drifted to firm base. Numerous slabs, large wind slabs and drifts formed on all aspects. Primarily north and east-facing slopes are dangerous, where most wind-blown snow is. Due to wind a crust formed. In mid-mountains on Saturday and Sunday 10 to 40 cm dry snow fell on soaked snow base, which wind has scoured away at exposed spots. New snow covered cracks, so danger is harder to recognize.



Expected weather development

Today cloudy and foggy, part of morning on Pohorje still partly clear. Especially in hills of southern Slovenia occasional snow, elsewhere mostly dry. Initially light southwest wind, turning northeast in afternoon. At 1500 m temperature around -6 °C, at 2500 m around -13 °C. Tomorrow partly clear with variable cloudiness. Light to moderate northwest wind, more pronounced in high mountains. At 1500 m temperature around -7 °C, at 2500 m around -15 °C. Wednesday clouding over, afternoon cloudiness breaking. Cloud top above our highest peaks. Occasionally light snowfall possible, but amounts negligible. Wind somewhat weakening. At 1500 m around -6, at 2500 m around -13 °C. Thursday moderately cloudy, warmer.



Tendency of snow conditions

Due to cold weather, snowpack will settle only slowly and transform poorly. At exposed spots northwest wind will transport new snow and on south sides of ridges and saddles form new drifts. Avalanche danger will remain CONSIDERABLE, level 3, above around 1500 m, MODERATE, level 2 lower down. In second half of week snow and avalanche conditions will start changing due to warming.



Next issue: Wednesday, 27.1.2021



Source: ARSO