Snow conditions in the mountains 23.12.2016

General danger level - Friday, 23. 12. 2016

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

Main problem: favorable conditions



Risk assessment

Avalanche danger is level 1, LOW. The snowpack is stable, mostly hard and partially icy. Therefore, there is a high risk of slipping.



Snow conditions

There is little snow in the mountains, mostly only above around 2300 m, only in the Julian Alps and in some gullies lower. The snow is mostly frozen, partially icy, only on days when it is warmer at altitude, the snowpack on sun-exposed slopes softens somewhat. The existing snowpack is stable.



Forecast weather development

Until Tuesday, dry weather will continue. The freezing level will oscillate between 1900 and 2400 m above sea level, cooling on the night from Monday to Tuesday. Temperature inversion will persist, but the layer of cold air at ground level will be shallower than in previous days.



Trend of snow conditions

Snow will remain mostly frozen and hard, only on southern slopes it may soften somewhat during the day. The snowpack will remain stable and partially icy, avalanche danger LOW. However, there will still be a risk of slipping due to the hard and partially icy snowpack, and on wind-packed ridges. Risk of slipping also on grassy slopes, as salt crust can form overnight, and on northern sides there is hoarfrost on grass in places.



Next issue: Tuesday, 27. 12. 2016



Source: ARSO