Persistent weak layers
- Above 2,100 m
- Size
- 2
Stability: poor · Frequency: some
Weak layers in the old snowpack represent the main danger.
Stability: poor · Frequency: some
Weak layers in the old snowpack represent the main danger.
The new snow of the last few days has bonded quite well with the old snowpack. Especially places where weaknesses exist in the old snowpack are unfavourable. This applies in particular on very steep shady slopes at the base of rock walls and behind abrupt changes in the terrain. Here the avalanches can be triggered in the weakly bonded old snow and reach medium size. Isolated whumpfing sounds indicate the danger. Older wind slabs are covered with new snow and therefore difficult to recognise. They can be released, especially by large additional loads,, especially at their margins. Isolated mostly small natural avalanches are possible as a consequence of solar radiation, in particular on extremely steep sunny slopes, and in steep rocky terrain.
In recent days, 20 to 30 cm of snow has fallen above approximately 2,000 m in the areas bordering Piedmont, and 5 to 20 cm in the rest of the territory. The sometimes moderate wind has transported only a little snow. On Saturday on very steep slopes small and, in isolated cases, medium-sized avalanches were observed. Faceted weak layers exist in the old snowpack in particular on shady slopes. In particular at intermediate and high altitudes snow depths vary greatly, depending on the infuence of the wind.
The weather will be mostly sunny. These weather conditions will facilitate a change towards better conditions.
Bulletin data: Regione Autonoma Valle d'Aosta (via EAWS / avalanche.report)