6.02.2023
General danger level - Monday, 6 February 2023
Danger is level 3 on the European five-level scale - CONSIDERABLE.
Main problem: wind slab, weak layers
Danger pattern: cooling after warm weather / warming after cold
Risk assessment
Avalanche danger in the central part of the Julian Alps, Karawanks and Kamnik-Savinja Alps above about 1800 m is CONSIDERABLE (or significant), level 3. In the southern and western part of the Julian Alps above sea level 1800 m the danger is MODERATE, level 2. Lower and in some pre-alpine areas (northern Primorska, Polhov Grad Hills and Škofja Loka Hills, Posavje Hills and similar) LOW, level 1. Steeper slopes above the forest line are dangerous, where extensive areas of windpacked snow are present on numerous aspects. There even a small additional load can trigger a slab avalanche. In the old snow cover, now hidden under a thick blanket of new snow, weak layers are present especially on leeward slopes, which can release at individual spots under additional load. This can happen particularly where there is less snow due to wind influence. Snow and avalanche conditions in the high mountains are demanding.
Snow conditions
In the mountains it cooled at the end of the week, on Saturday strong winds from northern directions blew. Snow in the high mountains and shady mid-mountain locations is still poorly transformed. On the snowpack surface there is often a crust formed by wind or daytime thaw and night freezing. Especially above the forest line there are many spots with winddrifted snow, ridges are scoured to hard base. Lots of slabs and crusts.
Forecast weather development
Monday moderately cloudy, moderate northeast wind. Temperature at 1500 m around -8, at 2500 m around -14 °C. Tuesday clear, less wind. Tuesday night to Wednesday and Wednesday east winds strengthen, more clouds, temperature remains low. Thursday and Friday more clear weather, temperatures slightly higher only on Friday, at 1500 m around -5°C.
Trend of snow conditions
Due to cooling the snowpack has stabilised especially in mid-mountains. In high mountains snow and avalanche conditions will remain similar. Larger icy surfaces remain, hence risk of slipping.
Next bulletin: Thursday, 9 February 2023
Source: ARSO