Southern Lepontine Alps

Locally increased avalanche danger along the borders with Switzerland.

Locally increased avalanche danger along the borders with Switzerland.

The new snow and wind slabs of the last few days are lying on the unfavourable surface of an old snowpack on northwest to north to east facing aspects above approximately 2200 m. Several small and medium-sized natural avalanches are possible as a consequence of new snow and strong wind. Mostly the avalanches are medium-sized but can be released in isolated cases even by a single winter sport participant. At high altitude the avalanche prone locations are more prevalent. The numerous rocks hidden by the recent snow are the main danger.

5 to 10 cm of snow has fallen since Saturday above approximately 1800 m. 10 to 20 cm of snow will fall until Thursday above approximately 1500 m. At high altitudes and in high Alpine regions snow depths vary greatly, depending on the infuence of the wind. Large-grained weak layers exist in the old snowpack on shady slopes. Below approximately 2000 m from a snow sport perspective, insufficient snow is lying.