Varaita and Po Valleys

Intensive snowfall. Sharp increase in avalanche danger.

Intensive snowfall. Sharp increase in avalanche danger.

Over a wide area up to 30 cm of snow has fallen thus far above approximately 2400 m. 100 to 150 cm of snow will fall until the evening above approximately 2400 m. Above approximately 2300 m and on very steep slopes more frequent medium-sized and large natural dry avalanches are to be expected as a consequence of the snowfall. Isolated avalanche prone weak layers exist in the old snowpack here. Avalanches can in isolated cases be triggered in the old snowpack and reach very large size in isolated cases. Below approximately 2300 m: Numerous moist and wet avalanches are to be expected as the moisture increases. Up to 1800 m rain will fall. This extends the avalanche runout distances. In some cases, the avalanches can reach the bare valleys from high-altitude starting zones.

As a consequence of new snow and a strong easterly wind, large wind slabs will form above the tree line. Isolated avalanche prone weak layers exist in the old snowpack at high altitudes and in high Alpine regions. Low and intermediate altitudes as well as south and east facing slopes: Over a wide area new snow and wind slabs are lying on a moist old snowpack. The sleet will give rise to significant moistening of the snowpack below approximately 2300 m.