Maira and Grana Valleys

Wind slabs and weakly bonded old snow represent the main danger. Along the border with France a considerable danger of dry avalanches will be encountered in some localities.

Wind slabs and weakly bonded old snow represent the main danger. Along the border with France a considerable danger of dry avalanches will be encountered in some localities.

As a consequence of new snow and a strong wind, sometimes avalanche prone wind slabs formed in the last few days. The avalanche prone locations for dry avalanches are to be found in particular in gullies and bowls, and behind abrupt changes in the terrain above approximately 2400 m. More recent wind slabs are to be assessed with care and prudence. They can be released easily in particular on north to northeast to east facing aspects above approximately 2400 m, especially at their margins. As a consequence of warming during the day individual small and medium-sized avalanches are possible below approximately 2500 m. This applies in particular in case of releases originating from very steep, sunny starting zones that have retained the snow thus far.

As a consequence of a strong wind, sometimes large wind slabs formed in the last few days in particular along the border with France. Stability tests and field observations have shown poor snowpack stability on steep shady slopes. Weak layers exist in the centre of the snowpack on steep shady slopes. Sunshine and high temperatures will give rise as the day progresses to increasing moistening of the snowpack below approximately 2500 m.