Chiemgau Alps East

Heed: wet-snow and glide-snow avalanche problem

Heed: wet-snow and glide-snow avalanche problem

Avalanche danger above 1400 m is moderate, rising to considerable during the day, below that altitude danger is low. Main problem: wet snow. Due to solar radiation and warmth, naturally triggered, mostly medium-sized, wet- loose-snow and slab avalanches can be expected. Apart from that, on steep grassy slopes and in sparsely wooded zones, naturally triggered glide-snow avalanches can be expected, even reaching medium size. Avoid slopes with glide cracks.

The Bavarian Alps got 10-20 cm of fresh snow on Wednesday night, as rainfall at intermediate altitudes which made the fresh snow in western regions thoroughly wet. Bonding is good. The old snowpack is wet down to ground level, thereby enhancing gliding movements. By Friday evening the snowpack will become thoroughly wet due to higher temperatures and rain showers, thereby forfeiting much of its firmness, and increasing the likelihood of triggering wet-snow avalanches.

Variable conditions will persist, with significantly higher temperatures as Saturday approaches. Rainfall up to high altitudes on Sunday, increasing avalanche danger. Even exposed hiking trails and transportation routes could be placed at risk.