Snow conditions 31.1.2020

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

Main problem: wind slab, wet snow

Danger pattern: Spring situation

Danger pattern: Cooling after warm weather / warming after frost



Risk assessment

Avalanche danger in the western and southern Julian Alps above about 1800 m is MODERATE, level 2, lower down and elsewhere in our mountains mostly LOW, level 1. Due to warming and daytime solar radiation, especially on sun-exposed slopes of the high mountains, the possibility of sloughing INCREASES during the day. Under minor loading, small to medium-sized loose dry snow avalanches can be triggered.



Snow conditions

The snowpack has only slowly transformed in recent days due to low temperatures; strong northwesterlies have transported snow into wind slabs on the southern sides of ridges and saddles. Only on sun-exposed mid-mountain slopes has the sun slightly softened the snowpack surface during the day, which refroze at night. Snow is mostly crusty and hard; in wind slabs and sheltered locations in the high mountains, there is some soft snow on an old, mostly firm base. Wind-scoured areas are partly glazed.



Forecast weather evolution

Today partly clear with considerable altocumulus cloudiness; on the southern and western slopes of the western Julian Alps also foggy mainly below about 1700 m. Weak to moderate westerly to northwesterly winds. Freezing level will gradually rise just above the highest summits by afternoon. Tomorrow cloudy and foggy in many places, only partly clear in the eastern Karawanks. Occasional light precipitation over the southwestern Julians, snow line somewhat above 2000 m. Moderate to strong winds, quite strong southwesterlies in the afternoon. Slight cooling. Sunday initially partly clear, clouding over during the day in the mid-mountains of the southwestern Julian Alps with fog in places. Elsewhere occasional clouds well above summits, occasional cloudiness along the ridges of the western and central Karawanks and Kamnik Alps. Initially weak westerly to northwesterly winds, strengthening southwesterlies again in the afternoon. Freezing level rising to around 2200 m a.s.l. in the afternoon. Monday similar to Sunday, only winds somewhat weaker. Slightly warmer air over us at altitude.



Trend in snow conditions

Snowpack will soften during the day especially on sunlit aspects, refreeze at night, stabilizing over the longer term. Wind slab areas and sun-exposed slopes at midday and in the afternoon will remain hazardous. Here under minor snowpack loading, small loose dry or wet snow avalanches can be triggered. Gliding avalanches are possible especially on wind-scoured spots and shaded high-mountain terrain.



Next issue: Monday, 3. 2. 2020



Source: ARSO