Snow report Livigno, 02/05/2016

Snow condition

After the last two storm (Wednesday 3rd and Thursday 4th of Fabruary) the snow height is increased a bit; 33cm of snow in the village and 48cm in the alpine were reached. On the Southern slopes and, on all aspects at lower elevations, where some snow was present, the snow surface was characterized by a melt-freeze crust, which have been buried by the last snowfall. Above treeline, the snow cover is strongly wind affected and many areas are still snow free. On the leeward areas, on valleys or gullies and behind slope discontinuities, medium-sized snow drifting accumulations formed. Mainly on northern slopes, above about 2200m, where there is snow since December, the base is formed by persistent weak layers. However this base is quite thin and not widespread.

Snow quality

The best areas for freeriding are at lower elevations, where snow is not so wind affected. Below 2000m a.s.l., snow was getting partially moist and became heavier. Above the treeline, the quality of the snow surface is strongly irregular: you can find soft spots but even crusty or hard snow. Mainly in these areas, the danger of hitting rocks is still high: the snow cover is irregularly distributed and you cannot have confidence to ski fast: the probability to crash on stones is too high.

Especially above treeline, where the new snow stands on persistent weak layers, avalanches could be triggered in the deeper part of the snow cover. With the strong North West winds and the snowfall, medium sized snow drifting accumulations formed, which could still be triggered by the loading of a single person. The critical areas are mainly on shaded slopes and increase with the elevation; the new wind slabs should be avoided. The irregular snow depth makes probable to hit hidden rocks.

Overall impression

Off-piste skiing possibilities are still not so wide, but at least, within the forests, we have the chance to find some good skiable snow! Now we are waiting for the forecast snowfall of the next days!