Snow conditions 28.11.2019

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

Main problem: wind-blown snow, new snow

Danger pattern: Snowfall after a longer period of frost



Risk assessment

Avalanche danger is in the high mountains above about 1800 m altitude, CONSIDERABLE, 3rd degree, lower down mostly LOW, 1st degree. There are many slabs and soft slabs that can be triggered especially on steeper slopes under slightly higher load on the snow cover. Spontaneous avalanching is unlikely today.



Snow conditions

Yesterday above about 1800 m altitude in the Julian Alps 10 to about 20 cm of snow fell, elsewhere mostly under 10 cm. The new snow is soft and heavily wind-packed, the old snow cover above about 2300 m altitude is mostly crusty and hard, soft only in sheltered shady spots. There is much sastrugi, wind-exposed areas are heavily scoured. Snow is poorly transformed in shady spots.



Forecast weather development

Today initially still local showers, in the afternoon precipitation will cease. Snow line mostly above about 1600 m altitude. Predominantly cloudy and foggy weather. Moderate southwest wind. On Friday in the high mountains above about 1500 m partly clear with occasional increased cloudiness with base high above the summits. Lower down in most of our mountains mostly cloudy and also foggy, less cloudiness towards the east. Light to moderate west to northwest wind. Zero isotherm at about 2000 m altitude.



Tendency of snow conditions

New snow will remain dry and soft above about 2100 m in the high mountains, lower down it will settle somewhat. Today smaller and medium-sized avalanches of new snow can still release from steep slopes, by tomorrow avalanche conditions will improve slightly. Tomorrow during the day no major changes.



Next issue: Friday, 29.11.2019



Source: ARSO