Snow patch on Esja could disappear within 10 days

The snow patch in Gunnlaugsskarð on Esja could disappear in about 10 days, mbl.is reports. This is the assessment of computer scientist Sigurpáll Ingibergsson, who visited the area over the weekend to inspect and measure it.

The patch lies at an elevation of 808 metres. It is 17.5 metres long and 6.5 metres wide, with a measured depth of more than 35 centimetres.

Ingibergsson described the snow as dense, compacted snow. Sand and dust on the surface could increase its absorption of solar energy, he said.

Based on the weather forecast for the coming days, he estimates that the patch could lose 30 to 35 centimetres of depth by September 14, although there is considerable uncertainty. If its depth is 40 centimetres, it could disappear between September 15 and 17.

The patch disappeared early last year after a snow-poor winter and a warm spring. This year, snow accumulated late in the spring, while a July with little sunshine appears to have helped it survive much longer, Ingibergsson said.