Snow conditions in the mountains 18.2.2013

From Thursday onwards, there was dry and cold weather in the mountains.

There was also some sun, which influenced the transformation of the snow cover on sun-exposed slopes. The snow cover settled and transformed, and the surface crust strengthened. Snow remained dry and light only in shady locations, where wind created a crust in places.

The snow cover reaches down to the valleys. At 2500 m in the Julian Alps there is around 290 cm of snow, at 1500 m 220 cm, and even in the foothills at 1000 m up to 120 cm. Elsewhere in our mountains, there is 80 to 120 cm of snow at 1500 m, and around 70 cm at 1000 m.

The snow cover is mostly covered with a crust that does not bear human weight. It is loose only in sheltered, shady locations. Snow conditions are very varied and change over relatively short distances. On wind-exposed locations, the snow cover is heavily wind-packed and icy in places, with extensive areas of drifted snow. There are cornices on ridges.

The avalanche danger has slightly decreased. Above the tree line it is mostly 3rd degree, below it 2nd degree, and below around 1000 m 1st degree. On sufficiently steep slopes, a dry snow avalanche can be triggered by minor loading. Spontaneous release of smaller avalanches is still possible in places. Areas with drifted snow are also dangerous.

Today there will be no significant precipitation, but cloudy and foggy weather with temperatures below zero will prevail. On Tuesday it will be dry and partly sunny. The snow cover will continue to transform slowly, and avalanche conditions will not change much until mid-morning. A new report will be issued on Wednesday, 20.2.2013



The general avalanche danger is considerable, i.e. 3rd degree on the European five-level scale.



Source: ARSO