Snow conditions 31.3.2021

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

Main problem: wind-blown snow, wet snow

Danger pattern: Cooling after warm weather / warming after frost

Danger pattern: Spring situation



Risk assessment

Avalanche danger above about 1700 m is mostly MODERATE, 2nd degree, lower down LOW, 1st degree. In places with wind-blown snow you can trigger a small slab avalanche even with minor loading, probability higher from late morning to evening. On steep southern slopes due to relatively warm and sunny weather midday and afternoon, individual small wet snow avalanches possible, possibly even full-depth. On wind-exposed areas and ridges especially in the morning, in shady spots also during the day, risk of slipping.



Snow conditions

With warm and sunny weather the snowpack thins during the day, freezes at night especially in the high mountains, lower down also on plateaus and in frost hollows. Snow is poorly consolidated in shady high mountain spots. In the morning and early forenoon, in the shade of the high mountains most of the day, the surface is hard and icy in places. Slabs and crusts still present.



Forecast weather development

Today mostly clear and warm weather. Freezing level at the height of our highest peaks. Wind weak. Tomorrow partly clear with occasional moderate cloudiness, cloud base above summits. Weak wind blowing, in the afternoon moderate northerly in places. Still quite warm. On Friday initially sunny, midday and afternoon variable cloudiness with isolated showers, possibly thunder. Somewhat cooler, freezing level dropping to about 2300 m above sea level. Mostly weak winds from northern directions.



Tendency of snow conditions

Due to relatively high temperatures the snowpack will soften during the day, only in shady high mountain spots will mostly remain frozen. At night snow will freeze especially in the high mountains and on plateaus and in frost hollows. During the day on steep southern slopes possible small wet snow avalanche, possibly full-depth, crusts may also collapse. Especially in shady spots there are some poorly transformed slabs that formed during last week's snowfall, older snow layers are mostly stable as this snow is well consolidated.



Next issue: Friday, 2. 4. 2021



Source: ARSO