Chiemgau Alps East

Amid strong winds and fresh snow, snowdrift accumulations are forming which are prone to triggering

Amid strong winds and fresh snow, snowdrift accumulations are forming which are prone to triggering

Avalanche danger is considerable. The main problem: fresh snow and freshly generated snowdrifts. Numerous avalanche prone locations are found in steep terrain in all aspects, particularly near ridgelines, in wind-loaded gullies and bowls, and distant from ridges behind protruberances. Medium to large-sized slab avalanches can often be triggered by one single skier/boarder. Loose-snow and slab avalanches can also trigger naturally on steep slopes and in the major areas of precipitation, and grow to large size.

Storm winds, low temperatures, fresh snow (30-50 cm), up to 60 cm in barrier cloud regions, will generate new snowdrift accumulations. Inside the drifts are weak intermediate layers with graupel. All in all, the snowpack shows major effects from wind impact. The old snowpack is generally stable, at low altitudes it is shallow and thoroughly wet.

Further precipitation and strong winds are forecast. Avalanche danger levels will continue to rise.