Western Julian Alps

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

Heavy snow with wind

The danger of avalanches increases when it snows. New fallen snow has poor adhesion to the old base. Avalanches of dry snow will also occur spontaneously above the tree line, and can be large. This is particularly the case on northern slopes where weak layers are present in the old snow cover. At the time of the snowfall, moderate to strong southerly winds were blowing, transporting large amounts of light snow and building up new snow layers, especially in the high alpine regions. Altitudes are between 1700 and 1800 m, and weather conditions are such that snow or rain is falling. Gliding avalanches are possible.

Rainfall intensified on Wednesday. Snowfall ranged from 20 to 40 cm, dry in the high alpine regions and increasingly wet below about 1700 m. There were moderate to strong southerly winds, which built up in large areas. Deep and persistent weak layers are present in the old snow cover. The snowpack is unstable in many places. Another 10 to 20 cm of snow will fall by Thursday evening.

Thursday will be cloudy and foggy. There will be some showers and occasional showers. The snowfall level will be around 1000 m above altitudes. Initially, there will be light to moderate southerly winds, which will weaken during the day and turn easterly in the evening. Temperatures will be around -1 °C at 1500 m and -7 °C at 2500 m.

Friday looks dry, with clouds breaking up. The danger of Avalanches will remain similar.