Snow conditions in the mountains 22.9.2017

General danger level - Friday, 22. 9. 2017

Danger is level 1 on the European five-level scale - LOW.

Main problem: favorable conditions

Danger pattern: Early winter, surface hoar



Risk assessment

Avalanche danger at elevations with snow cover is LOW, level 1.



Snow conditions

At the beginning of the week it snowed in the mountains, the snow line dropped to around 1500 m above sea level. The snow melted quickly lower down, but in the high mountains up to 80 cm fell and persisted there, settling somewhat. The snowpack is still relatively soft but covered with a crust that formed partly due to wind, partly due to regelation (melting and freezing). Currently there is up to around 50 cm of snow in the high mountains. Significant snow cover reaches elevations between 1700 and 2000 m, depending on exposure and geographical location.



Forecast weather development

Two days of dry weather ahead. Freezing level around 3000 m above sea level. Sunday will be cloudier with occasional light precipitation. It will cool down, 0 degrees at around 2500 m above sea level, by the end of the day even lower. Therefore light snow will fall again in the high mountains up to around 2200 m above sea level, the snow line will drop slightly in the evening. No significant precipitation next week.



Trend of snow conditions

The snowpack will become soggy during the day, freeze at night and settle a bit more. On Sunday and Monday up to 10 cm of snow may fall in places, which will not significantly affect avalanche conditions. Wind will be light and will not transport much new snow. Avalanche danger will remain low.



Next issue: Monday, 2. 10. 2017



Source: ARSO