Chiemgau Alps East

Persistent weak layer is difficult to recognize

Persistent weak layer is difficult to recognize

Avalanche danger above 1800m is moderate, below that altitude danger is low. Weak layers in the old snowpack are the main problem. Slab avalanches can trigger even by the weight of one single person. Danger zones occur in steep ridgeline terrain especially in shady aspects, near ridgelines, in steep high altitude terrain and in transitions from shallow to deep snow. Depending on the depth of the snow cover where the winds of recent days have consolidated the upper snow like a slab, medium sized avalanches are possible. Isolated glide-snow avalanches can trigger naturally at any time of day or night, particularly on south-facing steep grass-covered slopes at intermediate altitudes where there is sufficient snow on the ground. They can grow to medium size.

Mild temperatures have helped the snowpack to settle and consolidate. Powder or wind-impacted snow has been generated in ridgeline terrain at high altitudes on north-facing slopes. On sunny slopes, the snowpack surface becomes moist on sunny slopes, during the nighttime hours a melt-freeze crust forms. At high altitudes, there are intermediate layers of faceted crystals and graupel. At low altitudes the snowpack is moist down to the ground. Gliding movements over smooth grass-covered slopes cannot be excluded.

Avalanche danger levels will further diminish in the good weather and mild temperatures.