Snow conditions 25.4.2023

General avalanche danger level - Tuesday, 25. 4. 2023
Danger is level 2 on the European five-level scale - MODERATE.
Main problem: wind slab, wet snow
Danger pattern: Spring situation

Risk assessment
Avalanche danger in the high mountains above about 1800 m a.s.l. is MODERATE, level 2, below about 1800 m currently LOW, level 1. Steeper terrain in the high mountains with more snow, including wind slab, and steep grassy slopes especially on sun-exposed aspects somewhat lower where there is still sufficient snow are more dangerous. Wet snow slab avalanches are possible there. Greater attention is needed especially in gullies and below rock faces, where avalanches can descend lower.

Snow conditions
Yesterday 5 to 15 cm of snow fell in the mountains. Mostly wet, above about 2000 m drier. Upon cooling, the new snow is mostly soft and above about 2200 m also powdery, some crust mainly from wind. No major drifts. Old snow has refrozen higher up, lower it is wet. Snow conditions are quite varied due to dynamic weather and temperature fluctuations.

Forecast weather development
On Tuesday, after a partly clear start, variable cloudiness during the day, summits occasionally in clouds. Afternoon local showers, possibly thunder. Wind weak, northwesterly strengthening towards evening. Zero isotherm at about 1800 m a.s.l. Tomorrow morning sunny, afternoon gradually cloudier. Also tomorrow afternoon isolated showers. Morning moderate northerly wind, then weakening to weak westerly to northwesterly. Temperature conditions similar to today. Thursday moderately to mostly cloudy and locally foggy in the mountains. Morning light precipitation mainly on Pohorje and in eastern Karawanks, afternoon showers possible throughout our mountain world. Zero isotherm gradually rising above 2000 m. Weak northwesterly or westerly wind. Friday after partly clear morning moderately to mostly cloudy, some summits occasionally in clouds. Late afternoon or evening light precipitation mainly in eastern Karawanks and on Pohorje. Weak, locally occasionally moderate westerly wind. Zero isotherm rising above our highest peaks in the afternoon.

Tendency of snow conditions
Today and tomorrow conditions mostly unchanged, as it will not warm up much, nor much sun. Then due to gradual warming and more sunshine, avalanche release danger will slightly increase. Especially in areas with more sun, possibility of wet snow avalanches midday and afternoon from sun-exposed slopes will increase. In high mountains also individual slab avalanches possible. Conditions remain demanding, considerable restraint needed in choosing a safe route.

Next issue: Friday, 28. 4. 2023

Source: ARSO