Chiemgau Alps East

New snow and snowdrifts can be triggered by a single skier or release naturally.

New snow and snowdrifts can be triggered by a single skier or release naturally.

Avalanche danger above the timberline is considerable, below that altitude danger is moderate. Main problem: new snow and snowdrift which can be triggered even by the weight of one sole skier. This applies in particular to steep slopes in all aspects, especially in areas adjacent to ridgelines above the timberline. Avalanches are mostly medium-sized, but when sweeping along the old snowpack at high altitude they can in isolated cases grow to large size. Avalanche prone locations increase in size and frequency with ascending altitude. In addition, the new snow can also release spontaneously as wet or slab avalanches. On smooth ground, small to medium-sized glide snow avalanches are also possible.

Over the last few days up to half a meter of new snow has fallen widespread, locally even more. Persistent snowfall will continue on Saturday, at higher altitude westerly winds will transport the snow. Both within the new snow and the snowdrifts as well as at transitions to the old snowpack there are frequently thin soft layers which are prone to triggering. At high altitudes the old snowpack is otherwise by and large compact and stable; at intermediate altitudes it is wet down to the ground. The new snow will also become moist again up to intermediate altitude and is weakened by slight warming and partly rainfall.

Avalanche danger diminishes gradually due to decreasing precipitation.