Snow conditions 29.11.2017

General avalanche danger level - Wednesday, 29.11.2017

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

Main problem: fresh snow, wind-drifted snow

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



Risk assessment

Avalanche danger is increasing again due to snowfall and will be CONSIDERABLE, 3rd degree above about 1000 m altitude, MODERATE, 2nd degree lower down. Steeper slopes and wind-drifted snow areas are dangerous, where even minor snowpack loading can trigger an avalanche. Spontaneous avalanches from steep slopes are also expected. Due to smaller amount of precipitation, danger will be somewhat lower in the eastern part of our mountains.



Snow conditions

Today snowing again in the mountains, southwesterly wind blowing snow into drifts on eastern and northern sides of ridges and saddles. Snowing onto soft base, so connection between snow that fell Sunday night and today's and tomorrow's snow will be relatively good. However, since recent snow has not settled yet, it will form a common layer atop the crusty base of old snow. Snowpack is loose and soft and thickening.



Forecast weather development

Today and tomorrow cloudy and foggy with snowfall. Today freezing level around 1200 m altitude, but cooling in the afternoon and tomorrow between 600 and 1000 m altitude, higher in south of Slovenia, lower in the north. Today strong southwesterly wind, tomorrow light to moderate northerly wind. Friday and Saturday dry but quite cloudy. Temperature in mountains below zero throughout.



Trend in snow conditions

Snowpack thickening, new drifts and slabs forming today and tomorrow due to wind. Wind-exposed spots will be scoured. Snow will remain loose and soft longer due to low temperatures and settle and transform only slowly. Avalanche danger will likely remain CONSIDERABLE, 3rd degree, only MODERATE, 2nd degree at lower altitudes.



Next issue: Friday, 1.12.2017



Source: ARSO