4.05.2023
General avalanche danger level - Thursday, 4 May 2023
The danger is level 3 on the European 5-level scale - CONSIDERABLE.
Main problem: wet snow, wind slab
Danger pattern: Spring situation
Risk assessment
Avalanche danger in the high mountains above about 2000 m above sea level is MODERATE, level 2, lower down LOW, level 1, but it will increase during the day due to warming and above about 2000 m become CONSIDERABLE, level 3, lower where there is still snow MODERATE, level 2. Steeper slopes in higher parts of the high mountains are dangerous, where considerable new snow fell in recent days, which will become wet and slide during the day. Wind has built slabs in places that can release under small additional stress. Greater attention is needed especially in gullies and below walls, where avalanches can reach lower.
Snow conditions
In the high mountains more abundant snow fell again in recent days. The snow line was at elevations between 1800 m and 2100 m. Above about 2200 m 20 to 50 cm of dry snow fell, lower down the snow was wet, hence smaller amounts. Snow fell with light to moderate north to northeast wind. Ridges in the high mountains are quite wind-scoured and in places hard and icy. Below 1800 m above sea level the snow cover has been melting, more and more bare spots. Snow conditions are very dependent on elevation and sun exposure.
Forecast weather evolution
Today in the high mountains initially mostly clear, in the mid-mountains partly more cloudy and also fog in places. In the afternoon variable cumulus cloudiness will develop, some high mountain summits will be in clouds. Weak north to northeast wind will blow. Noticeable warming during the day. Temperature at 1500 m around 7 midday, at 2500 m around 3 °C. Friday initially sunny, afternoon partly clear, shallow cumulus cloudiness forming. Especially in the Julian Alps a shower may develop in the afternoon or evening. Weak north to northwest wind. Even warmer. Temperature at 1500 m around 11, at 2500 m around 4 °C. Also Saturday and Sunday initially sunny, midday and afternoon variably cloudy, local showers forming, Sunday isolated thunderstorms. Wind weak. Still warm, 0 °C isotherm at about 3000 m above sea level.
Trend in snow conditions
Today and in coming days snow and avalanche conditions will rapidly change during the day due to strong sun and warming. New snow in the high mountains will become unstable and slide. Increased caution needed! Due to clear nights the snow cover will refreeze at night in high mountains also in coming days, during the day quickly become wet. Conditions typically spring-like. Avalanche danger above about 2000 m above sea level MODERATE, level 2, lower LOW, level 1. Snow line high by end of week, some snow perhaps only on highest summits.
Next bulletin: Friday, 5 May 2023
Source: ARSO