Bavarian Prealps East

Risks of taking a fall on the hard old snowpack

Risks of taking a fall on the hard old snowpack

Avalanche danger is low. Main problem: the snowdrift accumulations. Above the treeline on NW/E/SE facing slopes and in wind-loaded gullies and bowls, avalanches can be released by one sole winter sports enthusiast. They tend to remain small-sized. The risks of taking a fall outweigh those of being buried in snow masses.

Amid strong winds, further snowdrift accumulations will be generated. Inside the drifts are weak intermediate layers generated in the interims of precipitation and shifting wind velocities: these are prone to triggering. Bonding deteriorates with ascending altitude. In wind-exposed zones and at lower altitudes, the old snowpack is shallow and melt-freeze encrusted.

Precipitation is forecast for Sunday, avalanche danger levels can be expected to increase.