Snow conditions 28.2.2018

General danger level - Wednesday, 28 February 2018

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

Main problem: wind slab

Danger pattern: Cold weather, poorly bonded fresh snow with wind



Danger assessment

The avalanche danger in the mountains is generally MODERATE, level 2. Steep slopes and areas with wind slab above the tree line are particularly hazardous. There, with a large additional load, you can trigger an avalanche, and on steep spots with wind slab, you may trigger an avalanche even with a small additional load in some places. Spontaneous release is unlikely.



Snowpack

Due to the cold weather, the snowpack remains mostly soft and loose. In places, a crust has formed due to wind, wind-exposed locations are heavily scoured and can therefore be hard. There are many slabs.



Forecast weather evolution

Today partly clear, with occasional shallow lens-shaped clouds. Wind will be light from northern directions. Tomorrow, after a clear start, it will gradually cloud over from the southwest. A light to moderate southwest wind will blow. Warmer air will flow in, but temperatures will remain below zero. On Friday, cloudy and mostly dry. Temperatures will also be above -10 degrees in the high mountains. Light to moderate wind from southeast to southwest directions. On Saturday mostly cloudy, on Sunday some sunshine. Freezing level will rise to altitudes between 1700 and 2000 m.



Trend in snowpack conditions

Avalanche conditions will hardly change until Saturday inclusive due to the cold weather. Due to more humid air and cloudiness, the surface snow will bond somewhat more, but it will remain dry and soft, not as loose anymore.



Next bulletin: Friday, 2 March 2018



Source: ARSO