Northern Lepontine Alps

New snow and wet snow represent the main danger.

New snow and wet snow represent the main danger.

Above approximately 2500 m a lot of snow is lying. As a consequence of warming during the day numerous moist loose snow avalanches are possible, in particular medium-sized ones. As a consequence of new snow and a sometimes moderate northwesterly wind, avalanche prone wind slabs will form at elevated altitudes. The fresh snow and the wind slabs can be released easily, even by a single winter sport participant,. This applies in particular at high altitudes and in high Alpine regions. Backcountry touring calls for experience in the assessment of avalanche danger and careful route selection.

Over a wide area 15 to 30 cm of snow has fallen since Tuesday above approximately 2500 m. In some cases the wind slabs have bonded poorly with the old snowpack. Intensive rain to intermediate altitudes: The weather conditions gave rise to significant moistening of the snowpack.