Maira and Grana Valleys

Medium-sized moist and wet avalanches are possible as a consequence of warming. In addition the wind slabs should be taken into account.

Medium-sized moist and wet avalanches are possible as a consequence of warming. In addition the wind slabs should be taken into account.

The more recent wind slabs are to be found especially adjacent to ridgelines and in gullies and bowls and generally in the high Alpine regions. They can be released even by a single winter sport participant in particular on extremely steep shady slopes above approximately 2500 m. The high temperatures from the late morning will give rise to increasing moistening of the snowpack in all aspects in particular at intermediate and high altitudes. These conditions will bring about a gradual weakening in deep layers of the snowpack as the day progresses. As a consequence of warming, the natural avalanche activity will gradually increase. They can in some cases penetrate deep layers.

In some cases the wind slabs have bonded still only poorly. In its middle, the snowpack is largely stable. Towards its base, the snowpack is faceted and weak. The surface of the snowpack will only just freeze and will soften quickly. The high temperatures as the day progresses will give rise to increasing moistening of the snowpack especially at intermediate and high altitudes.

As a consequence of warming the avalanche prone locations will become more prevalent as the day progresses.