Snow conditions 26.4.2019

The danger is 2nd degree on the European five-level scale - MODERATE.

Main problem: weak layers, wind slab

Danger pattern: Spring situation

Danger pattern: Cooling after warm weather / warming after frost



Risk assessment

Avalanche danger in the high mountains of most of our mountains is currently MODERATE, 2nd degree, lower down LOW, 1st DEGREE. In high mountains mainly above sea level around 2000 m some loose snow avalanche can be triggered from steep slopes. There, with greater snowpack loading, you can also trigger wind slab avalanche yourself. In the coming days conditions will CHANGE due to precipitation.



Snow conditions

Until midweek up to around 15 cm of snow fell in high mountains, which southwest wind blew into drifts. In warm and sunny weather this snow has settled considerably, somewhat less in shady locations. Beneath it is a weak layer along which it can slide. Snow there is mostly still soft. Lower it is transformed and stable. In mid-mountains it has largely diminished.



Expected weather development

Today variable cloudiness. Smaller precipitation will occur in the forenoon in the area of Julian Alps and western Karawanks, then gradually also elsewhere, only in eastern Karawanks and on Pohorje mostly dry. Moderate to strong southwest wind blowing. Freezing level above highest peaks. Tomorrow initially partly clear, then variable cloudiness with occasional local showers, possibly also individual thunderstorms. Mostly weak wind from northern directions. Cooler, freezing level will drop to sea level around 2100 m. On Sunday cloudy and foggy with snowfall in places also below 1000 m above sea level. Weak to moderate northeast wind blowing. Also on Monday still snowing.



Tendency of snow conditions

In the coming days snow and avalanche conditions in mountains will change. Today and partly tomorrow still some sun influence, too little precipitation to affect snow conditions. On Sunday and Monday however 20 up to more than 50 cm snow will fall in mountains, most in Julian Alps and partly western and central Karawanks. Strong cooling, freezing level will drop to sea level around 1400 m. In high mountains snow dry, northern and northeast wind will transport it into drifts. Because higher up mostly snowing onto frozen base, under new snow weak layer along which new snow can slide. Lower snow first wet, therefore bond between old snowpack and new snow better. Difficult to predict exactly in which altitudinal belt this difference will be. Avalanche danger will INCREASE.



Next publication: Monday, 29. 4. 2019



Source: ARSO