Maira and Grana Valleys

Small and medium-sized moist and wet avalanches are possible as a consequence of warming. In addition the wind slabs should be taken into account.

Small and medium-sized moist and wet avalanches are possible as a consequence of warming. In addition the wind slabs should be taken into account.

The high temperatures as the day progresses will give rise to increasing moistening of the snowpack in all aspects in particular at intermediate and high altitudes. These conditions will bring about a gradual weakening of the weak layers. As a consequence of warming, the avalanche activity will gradually increase. Additionally in some places avalanches can also penetrate deep layers. The more recent wind slabs are to be found especially adjacent to ridgelines and in gullies and bowls and generally in the high Alpine regions. They can be released even by a single winter sport participant in particular on extremely steep southeast, north and northwest facing slopes above approximately 2500 m.

In some cases the wind slabs have bonded still only poorly. Towards its base, the snowpack is faceted and weak. The surface of the snowpack will only just freeze and will soften quickly. The high temperatures as the day progresses will give rise to increasing moistening of the snowpack especially at intermediate and high altitudes.

As a consequence of warming the avalanche prone locations will become more prevalent as the day progresses.