Chiemgau Alps East

Natural releases of small wet loose and glide snow avalanches, in particular on the sunny side

Natural releases of small wet loose and glide snow avalanches, in particular on the sunny side

Avalanche danger is low. Main problem: snowdrifts. On north-facing slopes, small slab avalanches can be triggered even by minimum additional loading. Avalanche prone locations mainly occur below steepening slopes and in wind-loaded gullies and bowls. Experienced individuals will recognize and avoid them. Small loose snow avalanches can also trigger naturally in steep rocky terrain, in particular due to solar radiation. It is possible that small glide snow avalanches release spontaneously on very steep slopes with smooth ground.

At higher altitudes, Foehn transports the still loose superficial snow on shady slopes and thus generates small snowdrift accumulations in leeward zones which are deposited atop loose dry snow and partly on surface hoar. On the sunny side, a nocturnal melt-freeze crust forms that is not capable of bearing loadings. The recent snow moistens more and more due to mild temperatures and sunshine. The old snowpack as such is stable, thoroughly moist and wet down to the ground. There is barely any snow below 1500 m.

Slab avalanche danger will recede slowly.