Chiemgau Alps East

Beware snowdrifts

Beware snowdrifts

Avalanche danger is moderate above the treeline, below that altitude danger is low. Main problem: snowdrifts. Snowdrift accumulations can be triggered by minimal additional loading in particular in steep ridgeline terrain in N/E/S aspects as well as distant from ridges behind terrain protuberances and in wind-loaded gullies and bowls. Slab avalanches can become small- to medium-sized. Size and frequency of avalanche prone locations increase with ascending altitude. In addition, mostly small loose snow avalanches can release naturally or be triggered by a single skier in steep rocky terrain (>40°).

Snowfall continues on Saturday accompanied by stormy winds. Fresh snowdrifts will be deposited atop soft layers and are prone to triggering. Within the snowdrifts, too, there are weak intermediate layers. The older snowdrifts of the last few days can still be triggered, but in particular at lower altitudes they have bonded comparatively well with the moist old snowpack and are cohesive. At intermediate altitudes the snow of the last few days is settling considerably due to diffuse incoming radiation and is becoming increasingly moist. The snowpack base is wet. Gliding movements over smooth ground cannot be excluded where the snow cover is sufficient.

Due to variable April weather avalanche danger persists.