Southern Lepontine Alps

Old wind slabs will be covered with new snow and therefore difficult to recognise.

Old wind slabs will be covered with new snow and therefore difficult to recognise.

The more recent wind slabs can be released in some cases in particular on steep north, northeast and east facing slopes and generally at intermediate and high altitudes. They can as before be released by people and reach medium size. Fresh and older wind slabs have formed in particular adjacent to ridgelines and in gullies and bowls. Several small and medium-sized slab avalanches are possible as a consequence of the snowfall. This applies even in case of a single winter sport participant. Maintaining distances between individuals and one-at-a-time descents are recommended.

Saturday: 10 to 20 cm of snow, and even more in some localities, will fall until the evening above approximately 1500 m. Adjacent to ridgelines on north, northeast and east facing slopes hard wind slabs formed. Intermediate and high altitudes: Large-grained weak layers exist in the snowpack on steep shady slopes. Snow depths vary greatly, depending on the infuence of the wind. Towards its surface, the snowpack is not homogeneous, and its surface has a crust that is strong in many cases.

Sunday: Over a wide area snowfall above approximately 1000 m. As a consequence of the moderate to strong northeasterly wind, the snow drift accumulations will increase in size at the weekend. In some localities increase in avalanche danger in the course of the day.