Maira and Grana Valleys

The wind slabs are easy to recognise and can be released by large loads in particular.

The wind slabs are easy to recognise and can be released by large loads in particular.

The snowpack will be well bonded at low and intermediate altitudes. Intermediate and high altitudes: As a consequence of new snow and a moderate to strong wind from northeasterly directions, clearly visible wind slabs formed in the last few days especially adjacent to ridgelines and in pass areas as well as at elevated altitudes. These can be released, in particular by large loads and reach medium size. In steep terrain there is a danger of falling on the icy crust. The danger of moist and wet avalanches will increase from midday.

Since Monday the wind has been strong over a wide area. In the vicinity of peaks snow depths vary greatly, depending on the infuence of the wind. In particular sunny slopes low and intermediate altitudes: The surface of the snowpack has frozen to form a strong crust and will soften during the day. Especially in shady places that are protected from the wind high altitudes and the high Alpine regions: The upper section of the snowpack is dry and its surface has a crust that is not capable of bearing a load. In very isolated cases weak layers exist in the top section of the snowpack in particular on extremely steep shady slopes.

As a consequence of warming during the day and the solar radiation, the likelihood of dry and wet avalanches being released will increase a little on very steep slopes at elevated altitudes.