Maira and Grana Valleys

Fresh and older wind slabs require caution.

Fresh and older wind slabs require caution.

As a consequence of new snow and a moderate to strong northwesterly wind, wind slabs formed in the last six days in gullies and bowls and behind abrupt changes in the terrain. These can be released by small loads and reach medium size. The avalanche prone locations are quite prevalent but are easy to recognise. On wind-loaded slopes and on very steep sunny slopes natural avalanches are possible, even medium-sized ones. In some places new snow and wind slabs are lying on an icy crust. In steep terrain there is a danger of falling here.

The new snow and wind slabs of last week are lying on a crust in all aspects. Individual weak layers exist in the snowpack in particular on shady slopes. In all altitude zones only a small amount of snow is lying for the time of year.