Ledro Valley

Wind slabs and gliding snow represent the main danger.

Wind slabs and gliding snow represent the main danger.

Since Tuesday the wind has been moderate to strong at times. Over a wide area 30 to 50 cm of snow has fallen above approximately 1000 m. In the next few hours the wind will be strong to storm force in some localities in particular in the regions of the south exposed to the foehn wind. Especially in the regions exposed to heavier precipitation individual small and medium-sized slab avalanches are to be expected. On wind-loaded slopes and in gullies and bowls, and behind abrupt changes in the terrain the likelihood of avalanches is higher.

The storm force wind will transport the fresh and old snow significantly. The fresh wind slabs are bonding poorly with the old snowpack in particular on shady slopes and generally at elevated altitudes. In some cases the various wind slabs have bonded still only poorly together. The old snowpack consists of faceted crystals, especially on shady slopes. Only a small amount of snow is lying for the time of year.

Fresh wind slabs are to be evaluated with care and prudence. As a consequence of mild temperatures and solar radiation the snow drift accumulations will stabilise during the next few days.