Chiemgau Alps East

Many avalanche prone locations in all aspects

Many avalanche prone locations in all aspects

Avalanche danger above the treeline is considerable, danger below that altitude is moderate. Main problem: snowdrifts. Slab avalanches can be triggered even by minimum additional loading. Avalanche prone locations are mainly found above the timberline in steep ridgeline terrain as well as in wind loaded gullies and bowls, but also in some forest aisles and clearances. At higher altitude in high precipitation areas avalanches can also become large. In addition, the fresh snow that fell during the last few days can trigger naturally. This will mainly happen in steep rocky terrain in the form of loose snow avalanches. Isolated glide snow avalanches cannot be excluded.

The anticipated snowfall will be accompanied by heavy northerly winds. As a result, large-sized snowdrifts will accumulate on the loose snowpack surface. Partly, snowdrifts and old snowpack will only bond poorly; additionally, weak intermediate layers--some of them consisting of graupel--are imbedded in the snow cover of the last few days. Particularly at high altitudes there are weak layers consisting of faceted crystals located near crusts deeply embedded inside the snowpack which can be prone to triggering. At lower altitudes the snowpack is moist down to the ground; however, gliding movements over smooth grass-covered slopes are an exception.

Avalanche danger levels remain tense. Depending on the amount of snowfall intensity they could increase further by mid-week.