Maira and Grana Valleys

Wind slabs and weakly bonded old snow represent the main danger. Along the border with France a considerable danger of dry avalanches will be encountered in some localities.

Wind slabs and weakly bonded old snow represent the main danger. Along the border with France a considerable danger of dry avalanches will be encountered in some localities.

As a consequence of new snow and a strong wind, sometimes avalanche prone wind slabs formed in the last few days. The avalanche prone locations for dry avalanches are to be found in particular in gullies and bowls, and behind abrupt changes in the terrain above approximately 2400 m. More recent wind slabs are to be assessed with care and prudence. They can be released easily in particular on north to northeast to east facing aspects above approximately 2400 m, especially at their margins. The meteorological conditions will facilitate a substantial strengthening of the near-surface layers in particular at low and intermediate altitudes. As the temperature drops hardly any more moist and wet avalanches are to be expected. In many places there is a danger of falling on the hard crust.

As a consequence of a strong wind, sometimes large wind slabs formed in the last few days in particular along the border with France. Stability tests and field observations have shown poor snowpack stability on steep shady slopes. Weak layers exist in the centre of the snowpack here. As a consequence of low temperatures a crust will form on the surface.