Snow conditions in the mountains 7.4.2017

General danger level - Friday, 7. 4. 2017

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

Main problem: wet snow, new snow

Danger pattern: Spring situation

Danger pattern: Cooling after warm weather / warming after frost



Risk assessment

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



Snow conditions

Snow is, except in high mountain cirques, fairly well transformed. The snowpack is mostly refrozen and hard in the morning, possibly icy in places. During the day it softens especially on shaded aspects, lower down also in shade. Snowpack depth is uneven, on wind-exposed aspects it is bare ground in many places even in the high mountains.



Forecast weather development

Today moderately to mostly cloudy, somewhat clearer in the western Julian Alps. From tomorrow onwards more sunny weather again and warmer. Freezing level tomorrow at about 2500 m above sea level, on Sunday and Monday at the height of the highest peaks. On Tuesday cloudy with precipitation. Cooling, snow level will drop to about 1200 m above sea level. Precipitation will cease by mid-morning on Wednesday.



Trend of snow conditions

The snowpack is relatively stable, but due to high temperatures and solar influence it becomes somewhat unstable during the day especially on sunny aspects. At night it refreezes and is hard in the morning, possibly icy in places. The snowpack melts quickly. From steep slopes, wet snow avalanches may release, possibly full-depth ones, as the snowpack lower down is saturated to the ground. On Tuesday, expected snowfall of 10 to about 20 cm. Above about 1600 m, new snow may slide on steep slopes. Avalanche danger will increase.



Next bulletin: Wednesday, 12. 4. 2017



Source: ARSO