Chiemgau Alps East

Apart from snowdrifts, attention towards the risks of taking a fall

Apart from snowdrifts, attention towards the risks of taking a fall

Avalanche danger is moderate above the timberline. Main problem: the freshly generated snowdrift accumulations, often trigger-sensitive. Above the timberline in steep ridgeline terrain on N/E/SE facing slopes and in wind-loaded gullies and bowls, small slab avalanches can be triggered even by one sole winter sports enthusiast. Proneness to triggering increases with ascending altitude. The risks of taking a fall outweigh those of being buried in snow masses at low altitudes.

Strong winds and the fresh fallen snow is being transported, deposited atop the older snowdrifts. 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.

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