Maira and Grana Valleys

Fresh wind slabs at high altitude. Moist and wet avalanches are to be expected as a consequence of warming during the day and solar radiation.

Fresh wind slabs at high altitude. Moist and wet avalanches are to be expected as a consequence of warming during the day and solar radiation.

The moderate wind has transported the new snow. The fresh wind slabs can be released, even by a single winter sport participant and reach large size. This applies especially in gullies and bowls, and behind abrupt changes in the terrain in particular at intermediate and high altitudes, and on steep slopes above the tree line. In particular on steep shady slopes avalanches can be released in deep layers of the snowpack. As a consequence of warming and solar radiation, the natural avalanche activity will gradually increase. This applies in particular on sunny slopes below approximately 2300 m, and in steep rocky terrain. Backcountry touring and other off-piste activities call for experience and restraint.

The new snow and wind slabs of the weekend are poorly bonded with the old snowpack at intermediate and high altitudes. Faceted weak layers exist deeper in the old snowpack in particular on shady slopes. Sunshine and high temperatures will give rise from early morning to increasing moistening of the snowpack in particular at low and intermediate altitudes.