Snow conditions 28.11.2018

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

Main problem:

Danger pattern: Cooling after warm weather / warming after cold



Risk assessment

Avalanche danger in the high mountains of the Julian Alps and central Karawanks, above approx. 1800 m, is MODERATE, level 2, elsewhere in our mountains LOW, level 1. Above approx. 1800 m a.s.l. the snow is less stable especially in places with wind-blown snow. Particularly on steeper slopes you can trigger a small avalanche in places with wind-blown snow. Elsewhere the snowpack is mostly stable.



Snow conditions

Due to low temperatures the snow has remained dry and powdery. North and north-east wind is drifting it into windslabs. There is more snow in the western part of our mountains above approx. 1800 m a.s.l., lower and elsewhere in our mountains there is less snow. More dangerous are places with wind-blown snow, where on steep slopes the snowpack can slab under load. Wind-exposed sites are quite scoured, often to bare ground.



Expected weather development

In the next few days we will have dry weather. Today partly clear with some mainly high cloudiness. Moderate north to north-east wind blowing, weakening during the day. Temperatures below freezing. Tomorrow mostly clear, light wind from south or south-east to south-west direction. Warmer air will inflow, causing a temperature turnaround. Thus in the layer between approx. 1600 and 2100 m temperature around zero or slightly above 0 °C. Air will be dry. On Friday more and more high cloudiness on the sky, which will thicken quickly, so the sun will be weak. Light south to south-west wind blowing, strengthening somewhat in the afternoon. Temperature conditions similar to Thursday.



Trend of snow conditions

Due to gradual warming the snowpack will start to transform, but due to dry air the process will be slow. Wind will mainly in high mountains transport snow into windslabs. The snowpack will slowly stabilize also higher up.



Next issue: Friday, 30. 11. 2018



Source: ARSO