Snow conditions 4.12.2017

General avalanche danger level - Monday, 4. 12. 2017

The danger is level 2 on the European five-level scale - MODERATE.

Main problem: wind-drifted snow, new snow

Danger pattern: cooling after warm weather / warming after cold

Danger pattern: cold weather, fresh snow poorly bonded by wind



Risk assessment

Avalanche danger is MODERATE, level 2, in most of our mountains above about 1200 m above sea level, lower down LOW, level 1. Steep slopes and places with wind-drifted snow are dangerous, where under greater snowpack loading you can trigger an avalanche. Spontaneous releasing is not expected.



Snow conditions

Despite low temperatures, the snowpack has settled somewhat and stabilized. It remains soft and in places fragile. On Saturday a moderate easterly wind blew, transporting snow. There are many slabs, wind-exposed locations are considerably scoured, in places down to the ground. Thin snow cover reaches mainly in northwestern and central Slovenia down to the lowlands.



Forecast weather evolution

Today it will temporarily cloud over and clear up again tomorrow. Especially in the high mountains a slightly stronger northwester will blow. On Tuesday until afternoon the freezing level will rise to sea level around 1600 m. On Wednesday mostly clear, even warmer. Freezing level will be at sea level around 2600 m. On Thursday it will cloud over in western and central areas, a southwester will start blowing. It will cool down, freezing level will drop below 1500 m above sea level.



Trend of snow conditions

With somewhat warmer weather the snowpack will transform faster especially in the high mountains, lower down it will also melt. In the high mountains it will settle faster. On Tuesday the northwesterly wind will transport snow and form new drifts. The snowpack will slowly stabilize, a crust will also form. In the high mountains, however, the snow will remain mostly soft.



Next issue: Thursday, 7. 12. 2017



Source: ARSO