Snow conditions 9. 5. 2024

General danger level - Thursday, 9 May 2024
Danger level is 1 on the European 5-level scale - LOW.
Main problem: wet snow
Danger pattern: Cooling after warm weather / warming after cold

Risk assessment
Avalanche release danger is LOW, level 1. Above around 2200 m there is some new snow, which will become unstable in sunny weather and can release as small surface wet snow slabs.

Snow conditions
In recent days above 2000 m up to 20 cm of new snow has fallen. Especially on sun-exposed slopes most of the new snow has already melted, so the surface already shows old snow cover with desert dust. Fresher snow persists mainly on shady slopes above 2200 m. The snowpack is mostly stable.

Forecast weather development
Today, Thursday, skies will clear. During the day patchy cumulus cloudiness will form in places, clearing by evening. Weak to moderate northeast wind will blow. Friday and Saturday mornings clear, daytime patchy cumulus. Friday mainly moderate northerly in high mountains, Saturday northerly easing. Sunday cloudy, daytime showers and thunderstorms. Precipitation will linger into Monday night and taper off Monday morning. Amounts small, rain likely up to highest summits. Southwest wind. Monday afternoon clearing. Temperatures similar all days - zero isotherm slightly below 3000 m, around 5°C at 2000 m, 10°C at 1500 m.

Trend in snow conditions
Snowpack will remain mostly stable in coming days. Slightly less stable on areas with newer (white) snow during sunny periods - mainly mornings and midday on steep NE, W and SE slopes above 2200 m. Small surface wet snow slabs may release spontaneously or with additional load. Besides individual wet snow avalanches, cornice failures possible. Clear nights Friday and Saturday, snow surface will freeze. Surface crust may be smooth in places, posing slip hazard.

Next bulletin: Sunday, 12 May 2024

Source: ARSO