Bavarian Prealps East

New snow and snowdrifts at higher altitudes; wet snow at lower altitudes.

New snow and snowdrifts at higher altitudes; wet snow at lower altitudes.

Avalanche danger is moderate. Main problem: new snow and snowdrifts. Above the timberline these can be triggered as slab avalanches by a single skier, in particular on steep ridgeline slopes in all aspects. Avalanches can grow to medium size. Avalanche prone locations increase in size and frequency with ascending altitude. In addition, the new snow can also release spontaneously in steep terrain as small to medium-sized loose snow avalanches On smooth ground, small to medium-sized glide snow avalanches are also possible.

The last few days saw between 20 cm and 40 cm of snowfall. At higher altitudes the snow was transported by westerly wind. Both within the new snow and the snowdrifts as well as at transitions to the old snowpack there are frequently thin soft layers which are prone to triggering. Otherwise the old snowpack is wet down to the ground. The new snow will also become moist again up to intermediate altitude and is weakened by slight warming and partly rainfall.

As warming progresses wet snow will become the predominant problem again at the beginning of the week.