Upper Susa and Chisone Valleys

Fresh wind slabs at high altitudes and in high Alpine regions.

Fresh wind slabs at high altitudes and in high Alpine regions.

5 to 15 cm of snow has fallen since Saturday. As a consequence of snowfall and the occasionally moderate easterly wind, fresh snow drift accumulations formed. Even single winter sport participants can release avalanches in some places, including medium-sized ones. This applies especially in the regions exposed to precipitation in particular at intermediate and high altitudes, as well as on very steep slopes. Avalanches can in very isolated cases be released in the old snowpack. This applies in particular in case of a large load. The avalanche prone locations are to be found in particular on shady slopes above approximately 2200 m. Apart from the danger of being buried, restraint should be exercised in particular in view of the danger of avalanches sweeping people along and giving rise to falls.

The new snow of yesterday is lying on a crust in all aspects below approximately 2500 m. Weak layers exist deeper in the old snowpack especially on steep north, northeast and northwest facing slopes. Towards its base, the snowpack is faceted and weak. Sunshine and high temperatures will give rise as the day progresses to increasing moistening of the snowpack in particular on sunny slopes. In particular in the vicinity of peaks snow depths vary greatly, depending on the infuence of the wind. In all altitude zones only a small amount of snow is lying for the time of year.