Snow conditions in the mountains 28.12.2012

On Wednesday there was precipitation in the mountains. Initially it snowed above about 1600 m, then the snow line dropped below 1000 m.

5 to almost 30 cm of snow fell. Lower down the snow was wet and bonded well to the base, higher up it did not, as it snowed on a crusty base. Strong southwest wind transported snow into drifts. By today the new snow has settled somewhat, some avalanches have come off steeper slopes. The southwest wind is still transporting snow and creating new drifts.

The snow cover extends to about 1100 m above sea level. The snow is mostly soft, but in places a thin crust has formed due to the wind.

On wind-exposed places the snow is heavily scoured, extensive areas of wind-packed snow. At 2500 m in the Julian Alps there is about 150 cm of snow, at 1500 m up to 50 cm. Elsewhere in our mountains at 1500 m there is 15 to less than 30 cm of snow.

Avalanche danger is degree 3 in the high mountains, below about 1500 m degree 1. Steeper slopes and places with wind-packed snow are dangerous, where even with minor load you can trigger an avalanche. Most wind-packed snow is on northern and eastern sides of ridges. No spontaneous avalanches expected. In mid-mountains and where snow is scoured, there is also danger of slips on icy surfaces.

Until Monday the weather will be dry. Today a strong north wind will start blowing, transporting snow and creating drifts on southern sides of ridges and passes. Freezing level will drop to about 1100 m by night. Tomorrow and Sunday mostly clear. Wind weak, in high mountains mostly westerly. Warmer air will flow in and freezing level will rise to about 2400 m already on Saturday, by Sunday evening drop to 1800 m. Snow will slowly transform, crust forming on surface especially on sun-exposed slopes. Especially on Saturday due to warming the snowpack will temporarily become more unstable. In high mountains avalanche danger remains degree 3.

New report will be issued on Monday, 31.12.2012.



General avalanche danger is considerable, i.e. degree 3 on the European five-level scale.



Source: ARSO