6.01.2020
Danger level is 2 on the European 5-level scale - MODERATE.
Main problem: wind-blown snow, wet snow
Danger pattern: Cooling after warm weather / warming after frost
Risk assessment
Avalanche danger is currently in the high mountains above approx. 1800 m elevation MODERATE, level 2, lower down mostly LOW, level 1. Steeper slopes with wind-blown snow are dangerous, where slab avalanches can be triggered by a large additional load. During the day, especially on sun-exposed and steep grassy slopes, the danger of wet snow avalanches increases. Below around 1800 m there is significantly less snow, so avalanche danger there is low.
Snow conditions
The snowpack is crusty and hard especially on sun- and wind-exposed locations. Snow on summits and ridges is heavily drifted, often to the icy base. Above 2200 m and in more shaded areas, there are still areas with poorly transformed snow. There is also considerable wind-blown snow in the form of dunes and slabs.
Forecast weather development
Today mostly clear. Weak to moderate northerly wind. Midday temperature at 1500 m around 0, at 2500 m around -3 °C. On Tuesday initially mostly clear, midday and afternoon increasing medium and high cloudiness. Weak to moderate northwesterly wind. At 1500 m around 4, at 2500 m around -1 °C. In the evening slightly cooler. On Wednesday clear. Weak winds of variable direction. Temperature inversion strengthening again. Midday at 1500 m around 3, at 2500 m around 0 °C.
Trend in snow conditions
Due to warming, the snowpack on sun-exposed slopes will settle and transform faster, especially on pronounced sun-facing slopes the snow will also melt. Snow will refreeze at night. Icy surfaces will increase, hence risk of slipping. In shaded locations, snow conditions will remain largely unchanged. On pronounced sun-exposed slopes, especially steep grassy slopes, midday wet snow avalanche danger will increase. Slab avalanches can still be triggered in the high mountains. Avalanche danger will thus remain MODERATE, level 2 above 1800 m.
Next publication: Thursday, 9. 1. 2020
Source: ARSO