Chiemgau Alps East

Possibility of wet snow avalanches in steep rocky terrain; isolated avalanche prone locations in old snowdrifts at high altitudes

Possibility of wet snow avalanches in steep rocky terrain; isolated avalanche prone locations in old snowdrifts at high altitudes

Avalanche danger is generally low. Main problem: wet snow. As a consequence of solar radiation, it is possible that small loose snow avalanches trigger naturally during the course of the day, in particular in steep rocky terrain at intermediate altitude. At intermediate altitudes, isolated glide snow avalanches an release spontaneously on smooth grass-covered slopes which have not yet discharged. Slopes with glide cracks should be avoided. Avalanches attain medium size. At high altitude older snowdrifts are now only triggerable by large additional loading. Isolated avalanche prone locations are found in shady extremely steep terrain as well as in steep gullies filled with wind-transported snow. Slab avalanches that are triggered can grow to medium size.

Following a night with clear skies, on sunny slopes the snowpack surface is encrusted with a breakable melt-freeze crust, at higher altitude also by a breakable wind crust. On shady slopes the snow is still powdry. During the course of the day, mild temperatures and solar radiation soften the snowpack surface again in sunny terrain. This is associated with a loss in firmness. Otherwise, the snowpack is compact and stable. Up to intermediate altitudes it is often slightly moist where bordering the ground which promotes gliding of the snow masses. Isolated older snowdrifts remain at high altitudes; weak interim layers embedded in them are still prone to triggering. Below 1400 m, the slopes are becoming increasingly bare on the sunny side.

Continuing high pressure weather is forecast. The second half of Sunday will be colder with increasingly brisk westerly winds. Some fresh snow is expected in the eastern part of the Bavarian Alps by the beginning of the week. Due to wind and fresh snow the avalanche danger can increase somewhat regionally.