Snow conditions in the mountains 8.2.2012

In the past week, there has been occasional light snowfall in the mountains, with a total accumulation of 10 to about 20 cm of powdery snow. The new snow has not bonded with the old, crusty base. A moderate, occasionally strong east to northeast wind has blown, drifting the new snow into wind slabs.

The snowpack is mostly covered with a crust, topped with fresh powder. On wind-exposed sites, the new snow is completely scoured to the old base, which is hard and icy.

The snow cover extends to the lowlands. In the Julian Alps, at 2500 m a.s.l. there is about 100 cm of snow, at 1500 m about 60 cm.

Elsewhere in our mountains, at 1500 m about 40 cm. Avalanche danger is 2nd degree. Particularly dangerous are areas with drifted snow and steep slopes. There, even a small additional load on the snowpack can trigger an avalanche. Spontaneous avalanching is not generally expected. On scoured sites, there is a risk of slips.

Frost is easing slightly, but temperatures will remain below zero.

A weak to moderate east and northeast wind will blow.

Snow will transform slowly only on sun-facing slopes, remaining mostly unchanged in shaded areas. Avalanche conditions will not change until Friday.

New report will be issued on Friday, 10.2.2012.



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



Source: ARSO