Snow conditions in the mountains 31.3.2017

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

Main problem: wet snow

Danger pattern: Spring situation

RISK ASSESSMENT



Avalanche danger is SMALL in the morning and partly in the forenoon, level 1. During the day, due to daytime warming and solar radiation mainly on sun-exposed slopes, it increases to MODERATE, level 2. Particularly dangerous are steep slopes and places with wind-drifted snow on shaded aspects. On steeper slopes, full-depth avalanches of wet snow are possible.

SNOW CONDITIONS



Snow is, except in shady high-mountain areas, quite well transformed. The snowpack is mostly frozen and hard in the morning, possibly icy. During the day it softens especially on shaded aspects. Snowpack depth is uneven; on wind-exposed aspects, it is bare in places even in the high mountains.

FORECAST WEATHER DEVELOPMENT



Today and tomorrow, mostly clear and warm weather will continue. Tomorrow, a southwest wind will blow. The freezing level is today at the height of our highest peaks, tomorrow between 2600 and 2800 m above sea level. On Sunday, there will be somewhat more cloudiness, 0 degrees at elevation between 2400 and 2600 m. Light precipitation in the afternoon is not entirely excluded. Especially in the eastern part of the Julian Alps and in the Kamnik-Savinja Alps, it may be foggy in places. On Monday as well, it will be variably cloudy, with local showers developing mainly in the afternoon. Somewhat cooler.

SNOW CONDITIONS TREND



The snowpack is relatively stable, but due to high temperatures it becomes somewhat unstable during the day, especially under the influence of the sun on sunny aspects. It freezes at night and is hard in the morning and possibly icy in places. The snowpack is melting rapidly. From steep slopes, a wet snow avalanche may release, possibly full-depth, as the snowpack lower down is saturated to the ground. No major changes in avalanche conditions are expected until Monday.



Source: ARSO