5.05.2023
General avalanche danger level - Friday, 5 May 2023
The danger is level 2 on the European 5-level scale - MODERATE.
Main problem: wet snow, wind slab
Danger pattern: Spring situation
Risk assessment
The avalanche danger is in the high mountains above about 1800 m a.s.l. MODERATE, level 2, lower down LOW, level 1. Steep slopes in higher parts of the high mountains are dangerous. Particular attention is needed especially in gullies and below rock faces, where avalanches can reach lower. The danger is greater midday and in the afternoon especially on sun-exposed aspects.
Snow conditions
Snow is settling and transforming and melting at lower altitudes. In the high mountains, the top snow layer is soft and crusty in the morning because it freezes overnight. Ridges in the high mountains are quite wind-packed and in places hard and icy in the morning and forenoon. Snow conditions are very dependent on altitude and sun exposure.
Forecast weather development
Today and tomorrow morning mostly clear. Tomorrow afternoon cumulus clouds forming with local showers, possibly thunderstorms. Weak wind, zero isotherm above the highest peaks. On Sunday after a sunny morning even more cumulus clouds and afternoon showers and thunderstorms. From Monday onwards mostly cloudy and gradually a bit cooler. On Monday occasional local precipitation, on Tuesday mostly dry.
Tendency of snow conditions
Snow and avalanche conditions will be spring-like. In the morning snow in the high mountains will be frozen and in places hard and partially icy, during the day it will soften and become less stable. From Monday onwards the snowpack will be more stable, as there will be no sun influence, and temperatures will also be lower, at least in the high mountains. It will snow only on higher peaks, lower down snow will soften due to rain, in the high mountains small spontaneous wet snow avalanches possible again.
Next issue: Monday, 8 May 2023
Source: ARSO