Snow conditions in the mountains 29.12.2011

Dry weather continues. Due to the temperature rise, temperatures in higher elevations were above freezing, often even at night.

But since the air was dry, the snow transformed only slowly, faster only on sun-exposed slopes, where a surface crust formed and the snow froze on the surface at night.

There is relatively little snow in the mountains. In the Julian Alps, it is about 90 cm at 2500 m, and about 40 cm at 1500 m. Elsewhere in our mountains, there is 20 to about 40 cm of snow at 1500 m. The snowpack condition is still quite variable. It is mostly covered with crust, which bears human weight in some places but mostly not. Especially in gullies, the snow is soft. Wind-exposed locations are scoured to the old, partially icy base. Avalanche danger is currently 1st degree everywhere. Only at sites with drifted snow, where steeper, you can trigger a small avalanche. At scoured snow sites, and also elsewhere, there is risk of slides on the old, partially icy base.

Today, Thursday, a cold front will pass. It will cool down, with transient snowfall in mountains. 5 to max 10 cm of dry snow will fall. On crusty base, new snow will not bond well with old, northwesterly wind will drift new snow into wind slabs at exposed sites. Friday, northerly to northwesterly wind will strengthen slightly, transporting snow into wind slabs on southern sides of ridges and passes. Avalanche danger will increase especially in high mountains. Drifted snow sites will be dangerous. Saturday and Sunday dry, Sunday warming considerably again. Snow will transform slowly, somewhat faster from Sunday on sun-exposed slopes. Monday daytime, precipitation will start from west.

Snowfall limit between 700 and 900 m above sea level. Expected 10 to 20 cm snow. Avalanche danger will increase slightly more.

New report issued Tuesday, 3.1.2012.



General avalanche danger is 2nd degree on the European five-level scale.



Source: ARSO