Chiemgau Alps East

Small-area snowdrift problem at all altitudes

Small-area snowdrift problem at all altitudes

Avalanche danger in the Bavarian Prealps and Berchtesgaden Alps is moderate. Main problem: fresh snowdrift accumulations. Danger zones occur in steep ridgeline terrain on N/E/S facing slopes and in wind-loaded gullies and bowls. Snowdrifts can be triggered as slab avalanches by merely 1 person, most releases are small. Caution: acute danger of falling, being swept along.

The loose, expansively metamorphosed old snow and the fresh snow will be far-reachingly transported, fresh drifts will accumulate in shady wind-protected terrain and be prone to triggering where they are deposited on surface hoar or large faceted crystals. Elsewhere the snow will be deposited atop wind crusts or melt-freeze crusts, beneath whichg are weak layers of faceted crystals. The snowpack is hardened and compact, often moist at ground level.

Starting on Wednesday, wet snow will become a problem.