Mendrisiotto

There is appreciably less snow than usual at this time of year in most regions and snow conditions for ski touring are very poor in many places, especially below 2000 m and generally in the east.

The snowpack structure varies from region to region:

• On the Main Alpine Ridge in Valais and on the central southern flank of the Alps, the fresh and drifted snow that fell over Christmas has been deposited on a thin but weak old snowpack of faceted crystals. In the last few days, several avalanches, some of them large, have been triggered by human activity. Avalanches continue to be triggerable in the old snowpack in these regions.
• In central Valais, northern Upper Valais and throughout Grisons, weak layers of faceted crystals or surface hoar are present in the snowpack on shady slopes above approximately 2400 m. Although these weak layers have proven triggerable in stability tests, it is very rare for avalanches actually to be triggered. Small avalanches are possible where snowdrift accumulations from the last few days are lying on the weak snowpack. On wind-protected shady slopes, the surface of the snowpack is faceted and loose.
• The snowpack structure is more favourable in the far west and northern parts of Lower Valais and on the northern flank of the Alps. Small snowdrift accumulations have formed locally. Below 2400 m, the snowpack has mostly frozen solid.

After a clear night, conditions were sunny and mild in the mountains.

Fresh snow

-

Temperature

At midday at 2000 m, around +5°C

Wind

During the night to Saturday in Valais and on the northern Alpine ridge, moderate to strong at times, otherwise light to moderate southeasterly

After a clear night, conditions will be sunny and mild in the mountains.

Fresh snow

-

Temperature

At midday at 2000 m, around +6 °C

Wind

Moderate during the night to Sunday at high altitudes, light to moderate northeasterly to easterly during the day

Monday

Conditions will be sunny in the mountains. The zero-degree level will fall to 2600 m. Winds will be mostly light. Avalanche risk will decrease only slowly.

Tuesday

Conditions will be sunny in the mountains. The zero-degree level will fall to around 1000 m. The northerly wind will freshen and become moderate to strong. With fresh snow drift accumulations, avalanche danger will increase somewhat, especially on the Upper Valais Main Alpine Ridge and in Ticino.