8.01.2021
Danger is level 3 on the European five-level scale - CONSIDERABLE.
Main problem: wind slab, weak layers
Risk assessment
Avalanche danger is above about 1400 m CONSIDERABLE, level 3, lower down MODERATE, level 2. In the Eastern part of our mountains, where there is less snow, the boundary between level 2 and 3 is somewhat higher. Steeper slopes and places with wind slab and gullies where snow has accumulated are particularly dangerous. There, even small loads can trigger slab avalanches from steep slopes. On steep slopes, individual spontaneous slab avalanches are also possible.
Snow conditions
Relatively cold weather with temperatures below zero continues. Therefore, snow transforms and settles only slowly. The snowpack is mostly soft and sinks deeply, in places a crust has formed due to wind, on some sunnier slopes also due to sun in previous days, although there was little. Crust has also formed in lower mid-mountain elevations due to cooling when wet snow froze. There are many drifts and slabs, wind-exposed locations are quite scoured.
Forecast weather development
Today mostly cloudy and foggy, occasionally light snowfall. Dry in western Julian Alps and western Karawanks. Temperatures below zero, weak easterly winds. Tomorrow initially partly clear, clouding from the south during the day. Cloud base mostly high above summits, only in Kamnik-Savinja Alps a cap cloud may form mainly at elevations between 1300 and 1800 m. Weak northeasterly wind. Sunday moderately to mostly cloudy and dry. Weak to moderate northeasterly wind. Cold, at 1500 m around -8 °C. Monday cloudy and foggy, occasionally light snowfall.
Trend of snow conditions
The snowpack will settle and transform only slowly, snow will remain dry and soft due to cold weather. Cold weather may weaken snowpack cohesion. In exposed places - especially on the Primorska side of the mountains - stronger easterly winds will blow, transporting new light snow and building new slabs. Avalanche danger will remain CONSIDERABLE, level 3 above about 1400 m, mostly MODERATE level 2 lower down.
Next issue: Monday, 11.1.2021
Source: ARSO