Adamello

Backcountry touring and other off-piste activities call for very extensive experience in the assessment of avalanche danger and great restraint.

The snowpack will be prone to triggering above approximately 1700 m. New snow and wind slabs represent the main danger. Weak layers in the old snowpack necessitate defensive route selection.

Avalanches can be released easily. New snow and wind slabs require caution. Weak layers in the old snowpack can be released even easily by individual winter sport participants, especially on steep west, north and east facing slopes above the tree line as well as in areas close to the tree line. Avalanches can penetrate down to the ground and reach very large size. The avalanche prone locations are numerous difficult to recognise. Whumpfing sounds and the formation of shooting cracks when stepping on the snowpack serve as an alarm indicating the danger. A high (level 4) danger of natural avalanches exists.

The new snow and wind slabs are lying on surface hoar in particular on wind-protected shady slopes. Towards its base, the snowpack is faceted and weak. Avalanches can be released in deeper layers very easily. In addition the fresh wind slabs adjacent to ridgelines and in gullies and bowls are easily triggered. Large to very large natural avalanches are possible on wind-loaded slopes.

As a consequence of the new snow the prevalence of the avalanche prone locations will increase as the day progresses.