Chiemgau Alps East

Considerable avalanche danger, wide-ranging snowdrift accumulations can be triggered by one sole skier

Considerable avalanche danger, wide-ranging snowdrift accumulations can be triggered by one sole skier

Avalanche danger is considerable. Main danger: the snowdrifts and fresh fallen snow. Numerous avalanche prone locations are found in steep terrain in all aspects, particularly near ridgleines, in wind-loaded gullies and bowls and also distant from ridges behind protruberances. Large slab avalanches can easily be triggered in many places by one single skier/boarder. In addition, large-sized loose-snow and slab avalanches can also trigger naturally on steep slopes. Reinforced by rainfall and higher temperatures, naturally triggered glide-snow and wet-snow avalanches are possible down to intermediate altitudes.

In the last few days there has been 40-70 cm of fresh snow registered. Stormy NW winds have transported the new snow. Wide-ranging and trigger-sensitive snowdrifts have been generated. Fresh drifts continue to be formed. Inside the snowdrift masses are weak intermediate layers, often riddled with graupel. At the border to the old snowpack there are faceted crystals beneath a thin melt-freeze crust. All in all, the snowpack shows stark effects of wind impact, the gullies and bowls are filled to the brim with drifts. At lower altitudes there is rainfall, the snowpack here is thoroughly wet and is forfeiting its firmness. At ground level the snowpack is wet.

All enterprises in backcountry demand high caution and good knowledge of avalanche science. Avalanche danger levels will slowly recede.