Maira and Grana Valleys

The new snow and wind slabs represent the main danger.

The new snow and wind slabs represent the main danger.

The large quantity of fresh snow of the last five days and the wind slabs formed by the northeasterly wind represent the main danger. Numerous dry avalanches are possible, but they can be very large in isolated cases. They can over a wide area be released by a single winter sport participant and reach large size. Backcountry touring calls for extensive experience and restraint. The avalanche prone locations are prevalent and are difficult to recognise. Dry avalanches can in some cases penetrate deep layers.

Over a wide area 60 to 90 cm of snow fell in the last five days. The wind has transported the new snow. The large quantity of fresh snow of the last few days as well as the wind slabs formed during the snowfall are poorly bonded with the old snowpack in all aspects. Rutschblock tests and isolated whumpfing sounds confirm this situation. The sleet will give rise to increasing moistening of the snowpack in particular at low altitude.