Maira and Grana Valleys

The new snow and wind slabs can be released very easily.

In the last few days hard wind slabs formed over a wide area. The sometimes storm force wind has transported the new snow significantly. In the vicinity of peaks snow depths vary greatly, depending on the infuence of the wind. As a consequence of new snow and a moderate wind from easterly directions, sometimes deep wind slabs will form. The wind slabs are lying on soft layers in particular on wind-protected shady slopes. Weak layers exist in the old snowpack in particular on steep northwest, north and northeast facing slopes.

The new snow and wind slabs can be released very easily.

Above approximately 1000 m snow fell yesterday. As a consequence of new snow and a moderate wind from easterly directions, sometimes deep wind slabs formed. Wind slabs can be released, even by a single winter sport participant. The avalanche prone locations are to be found in particular in gullies and bowls, and behind abrupt changes in the terrain and on steep shady slopes above approximately 2000 m. In some places avalanches can also be triggered in the old snowpack and reach large size. Careful route selection and spacing between individuals are recommended.