Snow conditions in the mountains 23.1.2017

The danger is level 2 on the European five-level scale - MODERATE.

Main problem: wind slab

Danger pattern: Cold weather, poorly bonded fresh snow with wind



Risk assessment

The avalanche danger is MODERATE, level 2, in most of our mountains above about 1700 m. Spontaneous avalanching is not expected, but an avalanche can be triggered by a large additional load on the snowpack MAINLY in places with wind slabs and on steeper slopes, especially those where snow fell on grassy or leafy ground cover. Lower down, the danger is LOW, level 1.



Snow conditions

No new snow, temperatures below zero. In sunny weather, snow on sun-exposed slopes mostly did not melt during the day. No strong winds. Snow is mostly soft in sheltered spots, locally hard in wind-exposed areas. Otherwise, it is mainly soft and dry. Wind-exposed terrain is heavily wind-packed, with lots of slabs.



Forecast weather evolution

Dry weather will continue. Mostly sunny in the mountains, with some more clouds mainly this afternoon or evening and tomorrow. Warm today at altitude, temperatures above zero between about 1000 and 1500 m. Cooling tomorrow, then temperatures below zero until Friday. A somewhat more pronounced easterly wind will blow from Tuesday to Thursday, but not particularly strong. Therefore, little new wind slab is expected.



Trend in snow conditions

Today, the snowpack on sun-exposed mid-mountain slopes will melt during the day and refreeze at night. A thin crust will form. From tomorrow onwards, due to low temperatures, the sun will have little influence on snowpack transformation. Especially in shady areas and above about 1700 m, the snow will remain relatively poorly transformed. Avalanche danger above this altitude is expected to remain at level 2 until Friday.



Next bulletin: Friday, 27.1.2017



Source: ARSO