Chiemgau Alps East

Persistent weak layer increasing at high altitudes

Persistent weak layer increasing at high altitudes

Low avalanche danger prevails in the Bavarian Alps. Intermediate layers which are prone to triggering inside the old snowpack are the main problem. Slabs of medium size can trigger by large additional loading in isolated cases on extremely steep slopes, particularly on shady slopes above 2000 m where the snow is shallow, e.g. at entries to gullies and bowls.

The snowpack has settled well and is compact and stable, by and large. Especially on sunny slopes the snowpack surface is melt-freeze encrusted and, in some places, icy. At high altitudes there are layers of expansively metamorphosed crystals at ground level. On shady slopes these layers are more pronounced and fracture propagation is likelier.

As Friday (Christmas Eve) approaches, temperatures are expected to rise significantly and rainfall is possible up to higher altitudes. Until then, avalanche danger will not change significantly.