Maira and Grana Valleys

New snow and wind slabs represent the main danger.

New snow and wind slabs represent the main danger.

In the last two days avalanche prone wind slabs formed especially above approximately 2000 m. These can be released, even by small loads in isolated cases. Even a small avalanche can sweep people along and give rise to falls. Adjacent to ridgelines and in pass areas and at high altitude the avalanche danger is one level higher. Backcountry touring calls for experience in the assessment of avalanche danger. As a consequence of solar radiation more small and medium-sized moist avalanches are possible. This applies in particular on rocky sunny slopes.

Over a wide area 30 to 40 cm of snow, and even more in some localities, has fallen since Sunday above approximately 2000 m. The moderate wind has transported the new snow. This applies in particular on near-ridge east facing slopes. The old snowpack is well consolidated. In some cases the wind slabs have bonded poorly with the old snowpack. In particular at intermediate and high altitudes there is still a very large amount of snow.