Snow conditions in the mountains 4.4.2011

In sunny and warm weather, the snowpack has quickly settled and melted. The snowline has risen above our highest peaks by this morning. Snow froze overnight mostly only in the high mountains, on plateaus, and in frost hollows.

In the Julian Alps, there is up to around 370 cm of snow at 2500 m, and up to around 80 cm at 1500 m. The most snow is in the western Julian Alps. Elsewhere in our mountains, at 1500 m snow is mostly only in shade-facing slopes. South-facing slopes are bare even higher up. Snow is mostly hard or crusted in the morning and part of the forenoon, softening during the day.

Lower down, the snow is soft.

Avalanche danger is mostly 1st degree, but during the day due to the sun's influence on south-facing slopes it increases to 2nd degree. An avalanche can be triggered by significant additional loading of the snowpack, especially on steeper slopes and places with wind-blown snow. South-facing slopes are more dangerous at midday and in the afternoon.

Wet snow avalanches from steep slopes can also be triggered. Especially in the morning, there is also a risk of slips on wind-packed areas.

Today it will become cloudy and precipitation will develop in the afternoon, ceasing by tomorrow morning. The snow level will drop to around 1400 m towards the end of the precipitation.

In the high mountains, 5 to 10 cm of snow can fall. Tomorrow during the day it will be partly clear with variable cloudiness, with isolated showers midday and in the afternoon. By evening it will warm up somewhat and the snowline will be around 2000 m above sea level. The new snow will not increase avalanche danger, as it will likely bond well with the underlying surface. Lower down, snow will melt quickly.

The next report will be issued on Wednesday, April 6, 2011.



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



Source: ARSO