Southern Lepontine Alps

Large quantities of fresh snow and the wind-drifted snow of the weekend represent the main danger. At intermediate and high altitudes the situation is very dangerous.

Large quantities of fresh snow and the wind-drifted snow of the weekend represent the main danger. At intermediate and high altitudes the situation is very dangerous.

Over a wide area 60 to 100 cm of snow, and even more in some localities, fell in the last few days above approximately 2000 m. The large quantity of fresh snow and the large wind slabs can be released easily or naturally in all aspects and in all altitude zones. Large avalanches are possible in starting zones where no previous releases have taken place. Ski touring and other off-piste activities, including snowshoe hiking, call for great caution and restraint. Snow sport activities outside marked and open pistes call for great caution and restraint.

As a consequence of heavy snowfall and the moderate to strong wind, the snowpack could not consolidate during the last few days. The new snow is poorly bonded with the old snowpack in many places. As a consequence of snowfall and the occasionally strong southerly wind, the snow drift accumulations have increased in size at the weekend.

The avalanche danger will decrease gradually. Tuesday: Some new snow to above approximately 900 m.