Snow conditions 26.2.2021

Danger is level 3 on the European five-level scale - CONSIDERABLE.

Main problem: wet snow, gliding snow

Danger pattern: Spring situation



Risk assessment

Today the avalanche danger above about 1500 m elevation is MODERATE, level 2, during midday and afternoon it increases especially on sun-exposed slopes to CONSIDERABLE, level 3. On steeper sun-exposed slopes and especially in gullies and couloirs, due to warm and sunny weather, spontaneous wet snow avalanches are still expected. Especially on grassy slopes cracks are spreading and also slab avalanches are releasing, collapses of some cornices can also occur. In some shaded locations and ridges there are icy surfaces, so risk of slipping as well.



Snow conditions

In the typical spring situation the snowpack especially on sun-exposed aspects settles, transforms and melts faster during the day. In lower elevations this also occurs in shady aspects. This process is slower in the high mountains due to lower temperatures and dry air. In more shaded locations the snowpack is crusty, in sparser areas the snow is still powdery and soft. There are many wind slabs and cornices. Ridges are wind-scoured and also icy. During the day with sunny weather on sun-exposed aspects the snow softens and weakens, at night it refreezes. There is a large difference in snowpack condition between sun-exposed and shady aspects. In the past days mainly on steep southern slopes wet snow avalanches have released, cracks have also spread.



Forecast weather development

Today the weather will not change much. Tomorrow morning a cold front will pass quickly. It will temporarily cloud over from the north, midday and afternoon clearing. Moderate winds from northern directions will blow, cooling. Freezing level in the afternoon below 1500 m. On Sunday mostly clear, only on slopes of Kamnik-Savinja Alps some low clouds in the morning and forenoon. Mostly weak northeast wind. In the afternoon warmer air will start arriving in higher elevations. On Monday clear and warmer. Freezing level around 2600 m. Wind weak. Dry weather will continue after Monday as well.



Trend of snow conditions

Today avalanche conditions will not be much different from previous days. Tomorrow with cooling the snow will freeze and stabilize. Also less sun. Avalanche danger will DECREASE, but possibility of slips will increase. On Sunday the snowpack will be relatively stable, only on sun-exposed slopes it will weaken during the day. On Monday warmer again. In the morning snow frozen and hard, midday and afternoon mainly on sun-exposed aspects weakened and softened.



Next issue: Monday, 1. 3. 2021



Source: ARSO