Snow conditions 30.12.2019

Danger is level 2 on the European five-level scale - MODERATE.

Main problem: wind-drifted snow, wet snow

Danger pattern: Cooling after warm weather / warming after cold

Danger pattern: Spring situation



Risk assessment

Avalanche danger is currently MODERATE, level 2, in the high mountains above about 1800 m elevation, lower down mostly LOW, level 1. Steeper slopes with wind-drifted snow are dangerous, where a slab avalanche can be triggered by a large additional load. Below about 1800 m there is significantly less snow, it is relatively well bonded to the ground and therefore the snowpack is quite stable there.



Snow conditions

The snowpack is particularly on sun- and wind-exposed aspects crusty and hard. Snow on summits and ridges is heavily wind-drifted, often down to the icy base, posing a risk of slipping. Especially on southern slopes there are drifts and soft slabs. The snowpack is frozen in the morning, but softens somewhat on sun-exposed aspects during the day.



Forecast weather evolution

Today mostly clear, weak to moderate northerly wind continues. At 1500 m around 0 midday, at 2500 m around -3 °C. Tuesday morning initially more mid-level cloud cover, which will soon clear. It will warm up considerably. At 1500 m around 6, at 2500 m around 1 °C. Northerly winds will strengthen in the afternoon. Wednesday clear, slight cooling. Weak to moderate northerly wind continues.



Trend in snow conditions

Due to warming, the snowpack will settle and metamorphose faster, and melt especially on pronounced sun-exposed slopes. Snow will freeze overnight, but crust during the day on sunlit aspects. The snow surface will be icy in many places. Avalanche danger will gradually decrease. Only on pronounced sun-exposed aspects will danger slightly increase at midday. It is still possible to trigger slab avalanches in the high mountains. Avalanche danger will thus be MODERATE, level 2 above 1800 m.



Next bulletin: Thursday, 2. 1. 2020



Source: ARSO