Snow conditions in the mountains 7.1.2011

On Thursday, it became cloudy and warmer, more humid air began to arrive. By this morning, the freezing level had risen to around 1600 m above sea level. A strong southwesterly wind began to blow. The snow cover became wetter at lower elevations, while higher up it remained frozen and dry for now. It has settled somewhat further.

In the Julian Alps, there is up to about 360 cm of snow at 2500 m, and up to about 100 cm at 1500 m. Elsewhere in our mountains, there is up to about 30 cm at 1500 m. Lower down, there is considerably less. The snow cover is currently mostly covered with a crust, which has softened somewhat below about 1500 m above sea level. Higher up, there is dry snow on the crust. The amount depends on the elevation and geographical location. On wind-exposed spots, the snow is largely wind-packed down to the crust base, while in leeward positions there are drifts.

The avalanche danger is 2nd degree in the high mountains. An avalanche can be triggered by significant additional load, especially on areas with wind-drifted snow and on steeper slopes. Lower down, the danger is 1st degree. Primarily on wind-packed spots and at lower elevations, there is a risk of slabs sliding.

Until Monday, the mountains will mostly have cloudy and foggy weather, with some occasional clearings possible only on Pohorje and in the eastern Karawanks. A strong southwesterly wind will blow. Mainly from the Julian Alps to Snežnik, there will be occasional light precipitation. It will warm up a bit more, so the snow line will mostly be between 1300 and 1700 m.

Elsewhere, it will be mostly dry. The freezing level will be between 1800 and 2500 m during these days. Due to the humid air and higher temperatures, the snow cover will continue to settle and transform, except on the highest peaks where the snow will mostly remain as it is now. The avalanche danger will gradually decrease.

The next report will be issued on Monday, January 10.



The general avalanche danger is moderate, i.e., 2nd degree on the European five-level scale.



Source: ARSO