Southern Lepontine Alps

New snow and wind slabs represent the main danger. At elevated altitudes a considerable avalanche danger will prevail.

New snow and wind slabs represent the main danger. At elevated altitudes a considerable avalanche danger will prevail.

The fresh snow as well as the wind slabs must be evaluated with care and prudence in all aspects above approximately 1700 m. The avalanche prone locations are to be found especially adjacent to ridgelines and in gullies and bowls and on steep slopes. At elevated altitudes these avalanche prone locations are more prevalent. New snow and wind slabs can be released, even by a single winter sport participant or triggered naturally. Additionally avalanches can also be triggered in the old snowpack and reach large size. Careful route selection and spacing between individuals are recommended.

Over a wide area 10 to 20 cm of snow fell on Wednesday above approximately 1800 m. 5 to 10 cm of snow fell on Thursday. The strong wind has transported the new snow and, in some cases, old snow as well. The wind slabs are lying on soft layers in particular on shady slopes. Individual weak layers exist in the bottom section of the snowpack on shady slopes. This applies in particular at elevated altitudes. Some snow will fall from the afternoon.