Snow conditions in the mountains 16.1.2013

After strong Monday snowfall, the weather calmed down somewhat on Tuesday, but in the area of northern Primorska, Posočje and Julian Alps, it snowed heavily for a few hours in the morning.

20 to about 40 cm of snow fell. Elsewhere, it snowed lightly occasionally during the day and up to 5 cm fell. Wind mainly in the high mountains made drifts and built cornices. The snow cover settled somewhat.

The snow cover reaches the lowlands. The snow is light and soft. On wind-exposed places, especially in the high mountains, the new snow is quite wind-packed. At 2500 m in the Julians there is about 180 cm of snow, at 1500 m about 130 cm. Elsewhere in our mountains at 1500 m 40 to 60 cm.

Avalanche danger increased to 4th degree in most of Julian Alps due to yesterday's new snow. Elsewhere in the mountains 3rd degree. Dangerous especially places with drifted snow, steeper slopes, even in mid-mountains where it was bare and the base is grassy. Even with minor snow cover loading you can trigger an avalanche of new, unbonded snow, spontaneous avalanches from steeper slopes are also possible. Avalanches can also include snow from roofs in settlements.

Today and tomorrow it will snow again. By tomorrow evening 15 to 30 cm of snow will fall. Moderate east wind will blow, transporting snow and making drifts mainly on western, in high mountains also on northern sides of ridges and passes. The snow cover will settle slowly, new snow will maintain increased avalanche danger.

New report will be issued on Friday, 18.1.2013



General avalanche danger is 4th degree on the European five-level scale.



Source: ARSO