Gruppo dell'Ortles · 7 January 2026

Avalanche Problems

Above 2600 m

Low (1) Dry avalanches · all day

Wind slab Slab 1

N, NE, E, NW

above 2600m

Small Few Poor

GM.6

Field notes

Look for fresh snow deposits on Slope facing downwind/ wind sheltered aspect. Snow deposits can attain several times average snow depth.EAWS glossary, in Usually a steep, elongated, eroded trench; typically prone to snowdrift accumulation.EAWS glossary and Rounded or elongated concavity; typically tending to accumulate snowdrift.EAWS glossary, and behind ridgelines and abrupt changes in terrain — these are where the wind has loaded the snow into slabs that are easy to trigger. Recent avalanches, shooting cracks under your weight, and Distinctive noise (resembling a “whumpf” sound) occurring when a weak layer beneath a slab collapses. The air of the weak layer is forced outside the snowpack, with the resulting whumpf sound being heard. The sound usually indicates an unstable situation and can be accompanied by surface cracking. A whumpf is a clear avalanche alert.EAWS glossary sounds are clear confirmations of the problem. The safest move is to avoid wind-loaded terrain entirely. NB wind signs alone don't always mean an avalanche problem exists, and the age of drifted snow is hard to judge.

Source: SLF Avalanche Bulletin Interpretation Guide

Avalanche Activity

Wind slabs require caution.

The older wind slabs can be released in some cases in particular on northwest to north to east facing Direction in which a slope faces as indicated by compass direction of the fall line; i.e. a north slope faces in a northerly direction.EAWS glossary above approximately 2600 m. Mostly avalanches are small. Caution is to be exercised adjacent to ridgelines and in Usually a steep, elongated, eroded trench; typically prone to snowdrift accumulation.EAWS glossary and Rounded or elongated concavity; typically tending to accumulate snowdrift.EAWS glossary. In Areas above approximately 3000 m (particularly glaciated areas).EAWS glossary the Locations delineated by aspect or altitude where avalanches can trigger and people or objects are at risk.EAWS glossary are a little more prevalent and the danger is slightly greater. Apart from the danger of being buried, restraint should be exercised in particular in view of the danger of avalanches sweeping people along and giving rise to falls. Sunny slopes: In steep terrain there is a danger of falling on the hard snow surface.

Outlook

Increasing avalanche danger

8 January 2026

Gradual increase in avalanche danger as a consequence of new snow and strong wind, in particular in the north.

Snowpack & Weather

Snowpack

Wind slabs are lying on top of a weakly bonded Snow layers deposited from earlier precipitation, prior to fresh fallen snow. Old snow layers consist of metamorphosed snow crystals.EAWS glossary in particular on wind-protected northwest, north and east facing slopes above approximately 2600 m. Shady slopes: The old snowpack is faceted. Steep south facing slopes: The Snow deposited on the ground in a multiplicity of layers.EAWS glossary is well consolidated and its surface has a Layer of hard-compacted snow resulting from a melt-freeze process; increases firmness.EAWS glossary that is strong in many cases. The snowpack will be generally subject to considerable local variations. A little snow is lying in all altitude zones.

Source

ALBINA

Issued

6 Jan 16:00 UTC

Valid until

7 Jan 16:00 UTC

Next update

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