Ticino Sopraceneri
Luganese
Avalanche Problems
No distinct problem
1
Field notes
SLF uses this label when no single problem dominates the assessment, often on lower-danger days. It doesn't mean conditions are safe: any avalanche type is still possible, and normal caution applies. On stable days this is usually a signal to enjoy the mountains with general awareness; on less-stable days where the assessment is still inconclusive, it's a signal to be cautious specifically because there's no clear pattern to follow.
Snowpack & Weather
Snowpack
On the northern flank of the Alps and in western and northern Lower Valais, the surface of the Snow deposited on the ground in a multiplicity of layers.EAWS glossary on wind-protected shady slopes was often faceted and loose, especially at high altitudes. Here, it was a weak base for the fresh and drifted snow. Elsewhere, the surface of the snowpack has often been shaped by the wind and was often frozen solid, especially on the northern flank of the Alps below 2400 m.
In the other regions, the thin Snow layers deposited from earlier precipitation, prior to fresh fallen snow. Old snow layers consist of metamorphosed snow crystals.EAWS glossary mostly consists of Snow grains, solid, with multiple flat glassy faces and sharp edges. Developed from faceting metamorphism, usually poorly bonded to one another (fewer contact points), a critical factor in avalanches if a faceted layer is covered with bonded snow. Typical grain size: 0.5 to 3 mm See also: www.snowcrystals.itEAWS glossary with embedded crusts. Where drifted snow is lying on this weak old snowpack, it can be easily triggered in places. In addition, individual avalanches may still be triggered in the old snowpack, especially on the Main Alpine Ridge in Valais and on the central part of the southern flank of the Alps.
Weather review for Saturday
During the night to Saturday, some snow fell on the northern flank of the Alps, in the Gotthard region and in northern Grisons. During the day, it was mostly sunny in Valais, on the southern flank of the Alps and in Grisons, but still mostly cloudy on the northern flank of the Alps.
Fresh snow
Snow fell down to low altitudes. Snowfall at altitude:
- Glarus Alps to Alpstein region: 20 to 40 cm
- Central and remaining eastern parts of the northern flank of the Alps: 10 to 20 cm
- Rest of the northern flank of the Alps, Gotthard region, northern Grisons: 5 to 10 cm
- Elsewhere less or dry
Temperature
At midday at 2000 m, between -10 °C in the north and -6 °C in the south
Wind
Westerly winds, during the night often strong on the northern flank of the Alps and in Valais, otherwise mostly moderate
Weather forecast to Sunday
During the night to Sunday it will be partly cloudy in the east and a little snow will fall on the eastern part of the northern flank of the Alps. During the day it will be sunny everywhere.
Fresh snow
-
Temperature
At midday at 2000 m, around -9 °C
Wind
From the northwest
- Still moderate during the night, especially in the Bernese Oberland and along the Main Alpine Ridge
- Otherwise light
Outlook until Tuesday
On Monday and Tuesday it will be mostly sunny but cold in the mountains. The northerly wind will be mostly light on Monday, and often moderate on Tuesday along the Main Alpine Ridge.
The unfavourable Snow deposited on the ground in a multiplicity of layers.EAWS glossary structure means that avalanche risk will decrease only very slowly.