Latent cooling of atmosphere as an indicator of lowered snow line: Case study from Planica and Vrata valleys

Abstract

A lowered snow line in Alpine valleys as a local weather phenomenon often varies from one valley to another. The relief morphology of the valleys and the intensity of precipitation play a crucial role in the variation. In Slovenia certain valleys are more susceptible to this phenomenon than others, one such example being the Planica Valley. This article examines the occurrence of a lowered snow line in the Planica Valley and the Vrata Valley during the winter seasons of 2015/2016 and 2016/2017. Precipitation events accompanying the occurrence of a lowered snow line were analyzed, and data on temperature and precipitation were included in the analysis. Results showed a striking degree of congruence of the phenomenon in both valleys.

Keywords

• lowered snow line
• mountain climate
• local climate
• snow precipitation
• vrata valley
• planica valley
• slovenia
• geography