Berchtesgaden Alps

Beware the danger of taking a fall due to small fresh snowdrifts

Beware the danger of taking a fall due to small fresh snowdrifts

Avalanche danger abobve 1800 m is moderate, below that altitude danger is low. Main problem: gliding snow. In some places, medium-sized glide-snow avalanches are possible, Danger zones occur esp. at high altitudes on very steep smooth rocks. At high altitudes, isolated small slab avalanches can be triggered in places by 1 person. Danger zones occur in steep ridgeline terrain and wind-loaded gullies and bowls. Slab releases can reach medium size.

As temperatures drop the wet snowpack will stabilize. On south-facing slopes the small amounts of fresh snow will fall on bare ground up to high altitudes. On shady slopes, atop a surface-wide snowpack above 1700 m. Bonding to the old snowpack surface is generally good. Gusty winds from varying directions will generate new drifts. Soft weak layers can occur inside these fresh drifts.

As temperatures rise again and sunhine prevails, slab avalanche danger will quickly recede. Wet-snow will again become the problem.