Maira and Grana Valleys

The more recent wind slabs represent the main danger.

The more recent wind slabs represent the main danger.

As a consequence of a sometimes strong northwesterly wind, wind slabs formed in particular above approximately 2200 m. The wind slabs can be released by a single winter sport participant in particular on steep northeast, east and southeast facing slopes. The wind slabs are to be found in particular adjacent to ridgelines and in pass areas. The natural avalanche activity will appreciably decrease. Some medium-sized natural avalanches are, however, not entirely ruled out. Above the tree line a dangerous avalanche situation will persist. Backcountry touring calls for caution and restraint.

As a consequence of the strong northwesterly wind, the snow drift accumulations have increased in size. As a consequence of highly fluctuating temperatures and solar radiation a crust formed on the surface. The new snow is poorly bonded with the old snowpack in some places. A lot of snow is lying at intermediate and high altitudes.