Southern Lepontine Alps

Along the border with Switzerland the avalanche prone locations are more prevalent and the danger is greater.

Along the border with Switzerland the avalanche prone locations are more prevalent and the danger is greater.

As a consequence of new snow and a moderate southeasterly wind, soft wind slabs formed. Small and, in isolated cases, medium-sized natural avalanches are possible in particular at intermediate and high altitudes. The avalanche prone locations are to be found adjacent to ridgelines and in gullies and bowls, and behind abrupt changes in the terrain. Even single winter sport participants can release avalanches in some places, including medium-sized ones. Whumpfing sounds and the formation of shooting cracks when stepping on the snowpack are a clear indication of a weakly bonded snowpack. The current avalanche situation calls for experience in the assessment of avalanche danger. The numerous rocks hidden by the recent snow are the main danger.

30 to 50 cm of snow, and even more in some localities, has fallen since Tuesday above approximately 1500 m. The new snow and wind slabs of the last few days are lying on the unfavourable surface of an old snowpack on northwest to north to east facing aspects above approximately 2000 m. Large-grained weak layers exist in the old snowpack on shady slopes. Below approximately 2000 m less snow than usual is lying.