Warm front raises avalanche danger to level 3 in northern mountains

The meteorological service has warned of a considerable avalanche risk (level 3 out of 5) in the northern sector after recent precipitation and strong winds, with level‑2 alerts across several central and southern areas. A warm front expected to pass overnight will impede overnight refreezing and introduce rain to the snowpack, leaving the surface soft and more unstable tomorrow.

Forecasters say rising humidity may reactivate persistent weak layers within the snowpack, increasing the likelihood of slab releases. Authorities also note that, in some updates, the general danger level has been reduced to 2 in parts of the territory, but they stress extra caution on north and east‑facing slopes where weak layers remain.

Wind slabs have grown in size over the past two days, making the snowpack particularly unstable in the north and the southeast. Off‑piste snow depth in the northern sector exceeds 60 centimetres above 2,500 metres, according to the meteorological service, heightening the potential size and impact of avalanches.

Dangerous spots are numerous on popular mountain routes and in off‑piste terrain and can be difficult to recognise even for experienced observers. Conditions are, in some cases, critical for ski and snowshoe excursions and for off‑piste descents; route choice, group management and conservative decision‑making are therefore essential.

Recreationists and professionals operating in the mountains are advised to check the latest bulletins, avoid steep slopes with fresh wind deposits, and adopt conservative travel practices until conditions stabilise.