Ledro Valley

Wind slabs and gliding snow represent the main danger.

Wind slabs and gliding snow represent the main danger.

Since Tuesday the wind has been moderate to strong at times. Over a wide area 30 to 50 cm of snow, and up to 60 cm in some localities, has fallen above approximately 1000 m. Especially in the regions exposed to heavier precipitation individual small and medium-sized slab avalanches are to be expected. On wind-loaded slopes and in gullies and bowls, and behind abrupt changes in the terrain the likelihood of avalanches is higher. As a consequence of warming during the day and the solar radiation, the likelihood of gliding avalanches being released will increase gradually in particular on steep south and southeast facing slopes at intermediate and high altitudes.

Only a small amount of snow is lying for the time of year. The storm force wind has transported the new snow significantly. The fresh wind slabs are poorly bonded with the old snowpack in particular on shady slopes and generally at elevated altitudes. The old snowpack consists of faceted crystals, in particular on shady slopes.

Fresh wind slabs are to be evaluated with care and prudence. As a consequence of mild temperatures and solar radiation the snow drift accumulations will stabilise during the next few days.