Cogne Valley

Natural avalanches are possible during the day.

Natural avalanches are possible during the day.

The sleet gave rise to significant moistening of the snowpack in all aspects below approximately 2500 m. Here small and, in isolated cases, medium-sized ground avalanches are possible. Caution is to be exercised in particular in steep starting zones that have retained the snow thus far. As a consequence of new snow and a strong wind from westerly directions, sometimes large wind slabs formed since Thursday. The wind slabs can be released naturally above approximately 2500 m. The new snow can be released by a single winter sport participant above approximately 2300 m. In some places avalanches can also penetrate deep layers. Backcountry touring calls for defensive route selection. Caution is to be exercised in particular at transitions from a shallow to a deep snowpack, when entering gullies and bowls for example.

20 to 30 cm of snow, and even more in some localities, has fallen since yesterday above approximately 2500 m. As a consequence of mild temperatures, snowfall and the northwesterly wind, a precarious avalanche situation will develop. Snow depths vary greatly above approximately 2500 m, depending on the infuence of the wind. Weak layers exist in the snowpack especially on steep west, north and east facing slopes. Reports filed by observers and stability tests confirm the unfavourable bonding of the snowpack. The snowpack is wet. This applies in particular below the tree line.

The avalanche danger will decrease gradually.