In western Vindelfjällen, storm gusts and mild weather create hazardous conditions on the mountain, both in the form of avalanche risks and weather warnings, according to the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency's website Lavinprognoser.
People are advised to stay away from both steep terrain and terrain just below steep slopes. If the slope is steep enough, avalanches can start even in small clearings in forest terrain, the text reminds.
In southern Lapland Mountains, it will be mild and windy on Christmas Day. The warming of the winter snow cover usually creates hazardous avalanche conditions, warns the text on the website.
Avalanche-prone terrain should also be avoided in that area.
The warnings are currently in effect until 6:00 pm on Christmas Day, but weather forecasts indicate continued difficult conditions even after that.
In southern Jämtland Mountains and western Härjedalen Mountains, there is a moderate avalanche risk, which corresponds to a level two on the five-grade scale.
The avalanche risk is divided into a five-grade scale:
1. Low risk. Conditions are generally safe. The snow may be unstable in individual locations. Avalanches are unlikely.
2. Moderate risk. Hazardous conditions in parts of the terrain. It is possible for people to trigger avalanches, but spontaneous avalanches are unlikely.
3. Considerable risk. Hazardous conditions. It is likely that people will trigger avalanches and spontaneous avalanches are possible.
4. High risk. Very hazardous conditions. Spontaneous avalanches and human-triggered avalanches are very likely.
5. Very high risk. Human-triggered and spontaneous avalanches will occur with certainty.
Source: Lavinprognoser.se
