8.01.2020
Danger level is 2 on the European five-level scale - MODERATE.
Main problem: wind-blown snow
Danger pattern: Cooling after warm weather / warming after cold
Risk assessment
Avalanche danger is currently MODERATE, level 2, in the high mountains above about 1800 m elevation, and mostly LOW, level 1, lower down. Steeper slopes with wind-blown snow are dangerous, where a slab avalanche can be triggered with increased load. Below about 1800 m there is significantly less snow, so avalanche danger there is low.
Snow conditions
The snowpack is particularly crusty and hard on sun- and wind-exposed aspects. Snow is heavily wind-blown on ridges and summits, often down to the ice base. Above 2200 m and in more shaded areas, there are still areas with poorly settled snow. There is also considerable wind-blown snow in the form of drifts and cornices.
Forecast weather development
Mostly clear today. A weak northerly wind will blow today. It will warm up during the day, so afternoon temperatures will be above zero with the freezing level around 2500 m elevation. Tomorrow will also be mostly clear, with a southwesterly wind. Slightly warmer. On Friday, there will be more cloud, especially in the western part of our mountains, but mainly in the mid-mountains, as the top of the cloud layer will mostly be below 1400 m elevation. The southwesterly will strengthen overnight into Friday, weaken Friday morning, and then turn northeasterly or northerly in the afternoon. It will cool slightly in the afternoon.
Trend in snow conditions
Due to warming, the snowpack will settle and transform faster on sun-exposed aspects, especially on pronounced sun-facing slopes below about 1500 m where snow will also melt during the day. Otherwise, due to dry air, snow on sun-exposed aspects in the high mountains will mostly remain dry or frozen during the day. Icy surfaces will increase, increasing the risk of slips. Snow conditions in shaded aspects will remain largely unchanged. In the high mountains, slab avalanches can still be triggered on wind-blown snow areas and steeper slopes. Avalanche danger above 1800 m will thus remain MODERATE, level 2.
Next issue: Friday, 10.1.2020
Source: ARSO