Western Julian Alps

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

New fallen snow in the high alpine regions, weak layers in the old snow cover.

Snow will fall in the high alpine regions during the day, with southerly winds spreading new fallen snow and building up larger snowdrift accumulations. Spontaneous avalanches will occur. In the current conditions, we advise against visiting the high alpine regions! Areas of blowing snow are more dangerous and can trigger a major Avalanche. New fallen snow will put additional load on the old snow cover. This may exceed the load-bearing capacity of the deeper Weak layers and trigger a deep and large avalanche. Such weak layers are abundant, especially in the axis above the forest, but are not excluded elsewhere. In parts of the mid-mountains where it rains, the rain will wet and labyrinth the snowpack. Wet snow avalanches and gliding avalanches may occur.

At the end of last week, there were a few centimetres to 20 cm of New fallen snow above an altitude of around 1400 m. The old snow cover is made up of layers of bonded snow that are already somewhat compacted. Deep below the surface, the Old snow cover contains several weak layers of shreds and coarse grains. This base will receive 60-80 cm of new fallen snow in the high alpine regions on Thursday, with snowfall intensifying in the middle of the day. The snow line will be between 1000 m and 1500 m, rising during the day.

Cloudy and foggy with heavy snow, especially in the Julian Mountains. The snowfall level will be between 1000 m and 1500 m. The wind will be mainly moderate from the south, easing in the evening. Temperatures will be between -1 °C and 1 °C at 1500 m and -4 °C at 2500 m.

Snow conditions will remain challenging in the coming days.