Berchtesgaden Alps

Snowdrift accumulations higher up in the mountains are prone to triggering!

Snowdrift accumulations higher up in the mountains are prone to triggering!

The avalanche danger is moderate above 1800m; below that altitude it is low. The main problem at high altitude are fresh snowdrift accumulations. Avalanche prone locations are found in steep terrain adjacent to and distant from ridges in N/E/S aspects as well as in wind-loaded gullies and bowls. In places, slab avalanches can be triggered even by low additional loading such as by a single skier; they can grow to medium size. Size and frequency of avalanche prone locations increase with ascending altitude. In addition, loose snow avalanches can release spontaneously in extremely steep terrain with sufficient snow. Glide snow avalanches are in addition still possible on steep smooth grass-covered slopes. Below 1800m only small avalanches are expected since the snowpack is so shallow.

At high altitudes stormy westerly wind continues to generate fresh snowdrift accumulations. These bond only poorly with the partly melt-freeze encrusted or icy old snowpack surface. At high altitude, faceted intermediate layers are embedded in the old snowpack. At intermediate altitudes the snowpack is largely wet; the water accumulates at the ground. At lower altitudes the ground is becoming increasingly bare.

Due to the forecast calmer weather and mild temperatures the danger of dry avalanches at high altitude will recede. Then wet snow will become the predominant problem again.