Chiemgau Alps East

Avalanche prone locations are easy to recognize

Avalanche prone locations are easy to recognize

Avalanche danger above 1500 m is considerable, below that altitude danger is moderate. Main problem: snowdrift accumulations. Danger zones occur in steep wind-loaded terrain on N/E/S facing slopes, near to and distant from ridges, at forest edges and in trenches, gullies, bowls. In many places avalanches can be triggered by 1 person, and reach medium size. In addition, gliding snow activity is increasing. Glide-snow avalanches can release at any time of day on very steep smooth slopes naturally, at all altitudes and in all aspects. Avalanches tend to remain small. Avoid zones below glide cracks.

In wind-protected terrain, e.g. forest clearances, there are wide-ranging snowdrift accumulations. Crests, ridges are bare of snow, utterly windblown. Snowdrifts are poorly bonded with the surface beneath them. Weak intermediate layers, i.e. graupel, make the snowpack prone to triggering. Near melt-freeze crusts at various levels inside the snowpack there are faceted crystals lurking, a potential weak layer. The snowpack base is moist/wet, so gliding movements can be expected. As temperatures rise during the day, the snowpack becomes moist and loses its bonding. Below 1300 m the ground is becoming bare.

Temperatures are rising, avalanche danger will slowly recede.