Western Julian Alps

The current snowpack pattern is uncommon and requires special attention and caution!

Large amount of new snow, snowdrift accumulations and a weak layer in the old snow cover.

New fallen snow has put additional load on the weak layers in the old snow cover. Places with blown snow and shady areas where there is a weak layer deep in the snowpack are dangerous. Snow will continue to fall during the day, with southerly winds blowing new fallen snow and building up larger snowdrift accumulations. Avalanches, possibly major, will occur spontaneously. In the current conditions, we advise against visiting the high alpine regions! In parts of the mid-mountains where it rains, wet snow avalanches and gliding avalanches may occur.

Previous snowfalls have brought more snow on top of a weak snowpack. Snow will continue during the day, with the snow line mainly between 1100 m and 1400 m. This snow episode will bring 60-80 cm of New fallen snow to the high alpine regions by Thursday morning. South to south-easterly winds, which will strengthen during the day, will build up new drifts on the leeward sides of the ridges. Deep and persistent weak layers are present in the old snow cover. The snowpack is unstable.

Cloudy and foggy with showers, becoming heavier in the mid-day and afternoon. Snowfall level will be between 1100 and 1400 m. South to south-easterly winds will increase. Temperatures will be -1 °C to 1 °C at 1500 m and around -3 °C at 2500 m.

Some new fallen snow will fall in the coming days, but conditions will remain challenging.