Snow conditions in the mountains 27.1.2017

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

Main problem: drifted snow

Danger pattern: Cold weather, fresh snow deposited by wind



Risk assessment

Avalanche danger is MODERATE, level 2, in most of our mountains above about 1800 m elevation. Spontaneous avalanching is not expected, but we may trigger an avalanche with significant additional loading of the snowpack ESPECIALLY in areas with drifted snow and on steeper slopes, particularly those where snow fell on grassy or leaf-covered ground. Lower down, the danger is LOW, level 1.



Snow conditions

No new snow, temperature was below freezing except briefly on Wednesday. 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, hard in places on wind-exposed sites. Otherwise mainly soft and dry. Wind-exposed locations are heavily scoured, much bare ground.



Forecast weather evolution

Dry weather continues. Sunny in mountains too. Today already above freezing in layer between 1400 and 1900 m, during day this layer will temporarily thicken somewhat toward higher elevations. Tomorrow negative temperatures only in shallow air layer in some valleys, freezing level around 2000 m. Sunday the cold air layer under temperature inversion will thicken again. Slightly stronger westerly wind today and tomorrow.



Trend in snow conditions

Especially in positive temperature layer, snowpack on sun-exposed slopes will melt during day, freeze at night forming crust. In shaded locations snow remains relatively poorly metamorphosed, mostly dry and soft. Avalanche danger in gullies above about 1800 m elevation will likely remain level 2 until Monday.



Next issue: Monday, 30. 1. 2017



Source: ARSO