Bollettino valanghe

Main danger: fresh snowdrifts with ascending altitude

Main danger: fresh snowdrifts with ascending altitude

Avalanche danger is moderate. Fresh snowdrifts are prone to triggering high-altitudes. Small-to-medium avalanches can be triggered by one single skier. Danger zones are found particularly in wind-loaded ridge zones and in high alpine regions. Size and frequency increase with ascending altitude and with further daytime snowfall. In steep rocky terrain, small-to-medium loose-snow avalanches are possible. As temperatures drop, the danger of wet-snow avalanches will recede significantly during the day. Glide-snow avalanches are also possible on steep grassy slopes. Caution urged below glide cracks.

In the latter part of the night, precipitation set in. Above 1500 m there was 5 to 10 cm of fresh snow registered. Strong, often stormy winds led to transport of the snow and fresh snowdrifts accumulating. Bonding to the old snowpack is generally good, but deteriorates with ascending altitude and in ridgeline terrain. Small-to-medium avalanches can trigger inside the fresh snow and drifts, or in the layer of dust from the Sahara. Due to rain seepage the snowpack has become moist up to intermediate altitude. Below 1000-1200 the slopes are mostly bare of snow.

The day will begin in wintery fashion, with snowfall and wind, the peaks hidden in fog, snowfall. This afternoon these conditions will diminish, the clouds begin to disperse, a few bright intervals will become evident. At 2000 m: temperatures plummeting to -8 degrees. Winds shifting from westerly to northwesterly. Very windy this morning, this afternoon moderate to brisk.

Further snow showers during the night tonight. On Sunday, increasingly sunny, but it will remain cold. Depending on amounts of fresh snow, the danger of dry-snow avalanches could rise at high altitudes. At intermediate altitude the danger will recede further.