Chiemgau Alps East

Old snow problem at highest altitudes

Old snow problem at highest altitudes

Avalanche danger is low. At high altitude, weak layers embedded in the old snowpack will be triggered easiest, if at all, by large additional loading and at transitions from deep to shallow snow, e.g., at entries into steep gullies and bowls. Adjacent to ridgelines avalanches can grow to intermediate size on the odd steep north or east facing slope with plenty of snow; otherwise the danger of taking a fall outweighs that of being buried in snow masses. In addition, isolated glide snow avalanches can release spontaneously on steep grass-covered slopes with still enough snow.

The snowpack depth is below average, well settled, and will consolidate as temperatures drop. At high altitude, the snowpack distribution and layering is very heterogeneous. Surfaces are predominantly wind-compacted and encrusted. In some places, weak layers consisting of faceted crystals persist in the old snowpack on shady slopes. However, these are not likely to trigger and it is hard to imagine that fractures will propagate over a large area. Residual snow at high altitude is mostly encrusted, and, in particular in shady terrain, icy. Below 1400m the ground has become widespread bare of snow.

The little new snow that is forecast at higher altitude will not change the avalanche situation significantly. Starting from mid-week temperatures will rise again.