Snow conditions in the mountains 2.3.2011

In the mountains, dry and cold weather prevailed from Monday. On Tuesday, the eastern wind strengthened, carrying snow and forming wind slabs on the western sides of ridges and passes. Friday and Saturday were sunny, while Sunday saw some clouding over in places.

The snowpack transformed only slowly due to low temperatures.

In the Julian Alps, there is about 350 cm of snow at 2500 m and about 140 cm at 1500 m. Elsewhere in our mountains, there is around 30 cm at 1500 m. The thin snow cover extends into shady valleys down to lowlands in places, while southern slopes are mostly bare up to about 1000 m above sea level. The snow is mostly covered with a crust, formed partly by wind and, on southern slopes, also by daytime melting and nighttime freezing over the past week. The crust mostly does not support human weight. In shady areas, there is still some powder snow in places, especially where it was drifted by wind. Extensive areas of wind-deposited snow. On wind-exposed sites, the snowpack is scoured down to a hard, partially icy base.

Avalanche danger is 3rd degree in the Julian Alps and western Karawanks, 2nd degree elsewhere, and 1st degree lower down where there is little snow. Primarily dangerous are wind-loaded spots and steeper slopes, especially shady aspects. A touring skier or hiker can trigger a slab or loose snow avalanche with minor additional stress at such places. Spontaneous releases are not mostly expected.

Until Friday, dry and cold weather will prevail. Today, the strong easterly wind will still blow, but it will weaken on Thursday. The wind will still carry snow. Snow and avalanche conditions will not change much.

The next report will be issued on Friday, March 4.



General avalanche danger is 3rd degree on the European five-level scale.



Source: ARSO