Chiemgau Alps East

Caution: risks of falling through small avalanches

Caution: risks of falling through small avalanches

Avalanche danger above the timberline is low. The main problem: snowdrifts. Many danger zones lie in steep ridgeline terrain in N/E/S aspects and in freshly wind-loaded gullies and bowls. Even minimum additional loading is sufficient to trigger a small slab avalanche. The risks of falling outweigh those of being buried in snow masses. Apart from that, small wet loose-snow avalanches can release naturally in steep rocky terrain due to solar radiation.

The recent snowdrift accumulations are continuing to settle and consolidate up to high altitudes. Small snowdrift accumulations are not always bonded to the base at high altitudes. The old snowpack has settled well and is stable. The surface is often melt-freeze encrusted in the early morning hours, then during the course of the day softens swiftly due to solar radiation and the snowpack becomes thoroughly moist, Overall, the depth of the snowpack is below-average, at lower altitudes there is no base left.

As a result of fresh snow and wind, avalanche danger will increase again starting on Thursday.