In the lower part of the snowpack, particularly on west-facing, north-facing and east-facing slopes above approximately 2200
m, and on south-facing slopes above approximately 2800 m, weak layers are evident. These layers can still be triggered by
persons in some places, particularly from central Valais over the Ticino as far as Grisons. In the furthest western Lower
Valais and on the northern flank of the Alps these ground-level layers are covered over by thick layers of fresher snow so
that the likelihood of avalanches being triggered by persons is low.
On shady slopes the upper part of the snowpack is expansively metamorphosed (faceted) and loose in many places, and in some
places there is surface hoar blanketing the snow cover. This is an unfavourable snow base for the approaching snowfall. On
south-facing slopes the snowpack surface shows extensive impact from the sun and is thus more favourable.
As a consequence of westerly winds, small-sized snowdrift accumulations were generated from place to place on Christmas Eve.