Snow conditions 27.11.2019

Danger level 3 on the European 5-level scale - CONSIDERABLE.

Main problem: wind slab, new snow

Danger pattern: Snowfall after prolonged period of frost



Danger assessment

Avalanche danger is in high mountains above about 1800 m a.s.l., lower mostly LOW, level 1. Many soft slabs and wind slabs that can release particularly on steeper slopes under slightly increased snow cover load. Spontaneous avalanche release unlikely today.



Snow conditions

Snow cover above 2300 m a.s.l. is soft and sinks deeply, partly crusty due to wind. Many slabs, wind-exposed places heavily scoured. Below 2300 m snow has at least partly crusted in recent sunny weather and started settling faster, below 1800 m also melting. Snow poorly transformed in shady spots.



Forecast weather evolution

Today cloudy and foggy. From morning onwards precipitation starting in Julian Alps, afternoon strengthening and spreading eastwards. Snow level mostly around 1800 m a.s.l., in central Julian Alps also lower, towards evening descending. Strong southwest wind blowing. By tomorrow morning precipitation ceasing, during day occasional local showers. Snow level between 1300 and 1600 m a.s.l. During day partly clearing especially in high mountains. Moderate southwest wind. Friday in high mountains above about 1500 m partly clear with occasional increased cloudiness base high above summits. Lower in most of our mountains mostly cloudy and foggy, towards east less cloudiness. Light to moderate west to northwest wind. Zero isotherm at about 2000 m a.s.l.



Trend of snow conditions

Today and night to Thursday above about 1800 m snowing again. Up to 20-40 cm snow possible. Most expected in western Julian Alps. During snowfall strong southwest wind will form wind slabs and slabs again on north and east slopes. Below about 1600 m mostly rain, snow melting there. Avalanche danger will INCREASE again in high mountains of Julian Alps and western and central Karawanks. Elsewhere too little new snow for significant change in avalanche conditions. Lower due to rain possible individual wet snow avalanches from steep slopes, possibly also ground avalanches.



Next bulletin: Friday, 29.11.2019



Source: ARSO