Chiemgau Alps East

Isolated fresh trigger-sensitive snowdrifts at high altitude

Isolated fresh trigger-sensitive snowdrifts at high altitude

Avalanche danger is moderate. Small wet loose-snow avalanches can be expected in steep rocky terrain of all aspects. Glide snow avalanches can trigger naturally on steep smooth grass-covered slopes at any time. Freshly generated snowdrift accumulations will be deposited at high altitudes, they will be small but nevertheless triggerable as slab avalanches by one individual. They are large enough to bury a person in snow masses if they fracture down to the weaker layers embedded inside the old snowpack. At high altitude there are isolated avalanche prone locations in freshly filled gullies and bowls as well as on steep slopes adjacent to ridgelines in north and east aspects.

Due to mild temperatures the shallow snowpack moistens top down and forfeits its firmness. Gliding movements of the snow masses are increasing. Strong southerly wind generates small fresh snowdirift accumulations at high altitude. These are deposited atop layers of faceted, loose crystals and are prone to triggering. In addition, trigger-sensitive layers of faceted crystals persist at higher altitudes close to melt-freeze crusts. All in all, there is still very little snow.

Due to mild temperatures up to high altitude the snowpack settles. At intermediate altitudes strong glide snow activities continue in areas with still sufficient snow. On sunny slopes, the ground is becoming increasingly bare.