Upper Susa and Chisone Valleys

The fresh wind slabs can be released easily.

The fresh wind slabs can be released easily.

As a consequence of a strong westerly wind, avalanche prone wind slabs formed in particular at high altitude. This applies in particular adjacent to ridgelines and in pass areas. As a consequence of the wind the avalanche prone locations will become more prevalent as the day progresses. Wind slabs can in many places be released, even by a single winter sport participant and reach large size in isolated cases. Small and medium-sized natural avalanches are further possible. The current avalanche situation calls for experience in the assessment of avalanche danger.

Over a wide area 20 to 40 cm of snow, and even more in some localities, has fallen above approximately 2000 m. As a consequence of new snow and a moderate to strong wind, sometimes large wind slabs formed in the last two days in particular in gullies and bowls and behind abrupt changes in the terrain as well as at intermediate and high altitudes. In addition further wind slabs will form as the day progresses. The new snow is lying on a crust in particular on east to south to west facing aspects. In its middle, the snowpack is largely stable.