Southern Lepontine Alps

New snow and wind slabs represent the main danger.

New snow and wind slabs represent the main danger.

Wind slabs are to be found in the regions exposed to heavier precipitation. They can be released, even by small loads in isolated cases, caution is to be exercised in particular at transitions into gullies and bowls, as well as at transitions from a shallow to a deep snowpack. Additionally avalanches can be triggered in near-ground layers and reach quite a large size. This applies in particular on shady slopes in the regions exposed to heavier precipitation.

In the vicinity of peaks the previously small wind slabs have increased in size in the last few days. These are lying on the unfavourable surface of an old snowpack in particular on shady slopes. Intermediate and high altitudes: Large-grained weak layers exist in the snowpack on steep shady slopes. The snowpack remains soft in particular in shady places that are protected from the wind. In all altitude zones only a small amount of snow is lying for the time of year.

The avalanche danger will persist.