3.04.2023
General danger level - Monday, 3 April 2023
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
Risk assessment
Avalanche danger above about 2000 m is MODERATE, level 2. Steeper slopes and places with wind-drifted snow on variously oriented aspects are especially dangerous. Fresh snow deposits are forming on western and southern slopes. Weak layers are also buried in the snowpack, on which the snow from the last snowfall can slide. Lower down, the danger due to smaller snow amounts is LOW, level 1. Wind-exposed locations are scoured to the old base.
Snow conditions
Since Friday, 10 to 20 cm of snow has fallen in the high mountains, the bulk of precipitation was during the night to Saturday. Today a strong northerly to northeasterly wind has begun blowing, transporting snow in exposed places, a wind crust has formed. There is a lot of drifted snow on all sides. The snow is dry and frozen due to cooling.
Forecast weather development
This afternoon partly clear, some high cloudiness will form, the highest peaks will occasionally be in clouds. Strong northerly to northeasterly wind will continue. Temperature at 1500 m around -2, at 2500 m around -10 °C. On Tuesday mostly clear with some high cloudiness. In the morning moderate to strong northerly to northeasterly wind will still blow, which will start to weaken in the forenoon. Temperature at 1500 m around -7, at 2500 m around -12 °C. On Wednesday partly clear, but cloudiness mostly above the peaks. Weak to moderate northeasterly wind will blow. It will still be cold. The 0 °C isotherm will be in the afternoon at about 1200 m altitude. On Thursday sunny weather will continue, somewhat warmer.
Trend in snow conditions
Avalanche danger will remain MODERATE, level 2 above about 2000 m until Wednesday inclusive, lower down LOW, level 1. Areas with drifted snow will be especially dangerous. Icy surfaces will increase. During the rest of the week, avalanche danger will gradually decrease.
Next issue: Thursday, 6 April 2023
Source: ARSO