7.02.2023
General avalanche danger level - Tuesday, 7. 2. 2023
Danger is level 2 on the European five-level scale - MODERATE.
Main problem: wind slab, weak layers
Danger pattern: Cooling after warm weather / warming after cold
Risk assessment
Avalanche danger is MODERATE, level 2, in the Julian Alps, Karawanks and Kamnik-Savinja Alps above about 1600 m. Lower down 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 treeline are dangerous, where there are extensive areas of wind slab present on many aspects. There you can trigger a slab avalanche even with a small load. In the old snowpack, now buried under a thick blanket of new snow, weak layers are present especially on shady slopes, which may fail at individual spots under additional load. This can happen especially where there is less snow due to wind influence. In transition zones between thin and thick snowpack, there is increased danger of triggering an avalanche. Snow and avalanche conditions in the high mountains remain demanding.
Snow conditions
It is cold in the mountains, snow in the high mountains and shady mid-mountain locations is still poorly transformed. On the surface of the snowpack there is often a crust formed by wind or daytime thaw and nighttime freezing. Especially above the treeline there are many places with wind slab, ridges are scoured to hard base. There are many slabs and loose snow.
Forecast weather development
Tuesday clear, less wind. Temperature at 1500 m around -5, at 2500 m around -12 °C. Tuesday night to Wednesday and Wednesday strengthening east winds, more clouds, temperatures remain low. Thursday and Friday more clear weather, temperatures slightly higher only on Friday. Saturday a bit warmer, at 1500 m around 0°C.
Trend in snow conditions
The snowpack has stabilized due to cooling especially in mid-mountains. In high mountains snow and avalanche conditions will remain similar. Larger icy surfaces remain, so risk of slipping. End of week with warmer temperatures avalanche danger will increase.
Next issue: Friday, 10. 2. 2023
Source: ARSO