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, the new and drifted snow of the last few days cover cover, at higher elevations on shaded, wind-sheltered slopes, an often faceted and therefore weak old snow surface. Elsewhere, the snow surface was often shaped by the wind and frequently frozen solid below 2400 m.
In western and northern Lower Valais, the Snow deposited on the ground in a multiplicity of layers.EAWS glossary structure is relatively favourable and the danger comes mainly from fresh drifted snow.
In other regions, the Snow deposited on the ground in a multiplicity of layers.EAWS glossary is thin and weak, and 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. Snowdrift accumulations deposited on top of this snowpack are in some cases easily triggerable. In addition, individual avalanches may still be triggered in the near-ground Snow layers deposited from earlier precipitation, prior to fresh fallen snow. Old snow layers consist of metamorphosed snow crystals.EAWS glossary, especially on the Main Alpine Ridge in Upper Valais and on the central part of the southern flank of the Alps.
Weather review for Sunday
A few snowflakes fell locally during the night. During the day conditions were sunny but cold.
Fresh snow
-
Temperature
At midday at 2000 m, around -9°C
Wind
- Moderate, locally strong westerly; northerly in the south
- Subsiding over the course of the day
Weather forecast to Monday
In the mountains conditions will be mostly sunny but cold.
Fresh snow
-
Temperature
At midday at 2000 m, around -11°C
Wind
Light
Outlook to Wednesday
Conditions will remain sunny and cold. The northerly wind will be light at first, then moderate to strong on Wednesday at higher altitudes and in the south.
The unfavourable Snow deposited on the ground in a multiplicity of layers.EAWS glossary structure means that avalanche danger will decrease only very slowly.