Southern Lepontine Alps

Weak layers in the old snowpack are treacherous. In addition the wind slabs should be taken into account. Along the border with Switzerland the avalanche prone locations are more prevalent.

The weather conditions will give rise to increasing consolidation of the snowpack.

Weak layers in the old snowpack are treacherous. In addition the wind slabs should be taken into account. Along the border with Switzerland the avalanche prone locations are more prevalent.

As a consequence of new snow and a moderate southeasterly wind, wind slabs formed. Small and medium-sized natural avalanches are possible in particular on steep shady slopes. In addition as the day progresses especially at the base of rock walls, some small and, in isolated cases, medium-sized moist and wet avalanches are possible. Faceted weak layers exist in the old snowpack on steep shady slopes. Even single winter sport participants can release avalanches in some places, including medium-sized ones. The avalanche prone locations are to be found adjacent to ridgelines and in gullies and bowls, and behind abrupt changes in the terrain. Whumpfing sounds and the formation of shooting cracks when stepping on the snowpack are a clear indication of a weakly bonded snowpack. The numerous rocks hidden by the recent snow are the main danger.

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. Below approximately 2000 m less snow than usual is lying. Large-grained weak layers exist in the old snowpack on shady slopes.