Chiemgau Alps East

Increasing wet-snow and glide-snow avalanches can trigger naturally

Increasing wet-snow and glide-snow avalanches can trigger naturally

Avalanche danger is moderate, rising over the course of the day to considerable above 1400 m. Main problem: wet snow. On steep slopes in all aspects, wet loose-snow and in isolated cases slab avalanches can trigger naturally and grow to medium size. In addition. on smooth steep grassy slopes and in sparsely wooded zones, small-to-medium glide-snow avalanches can release naturally. Likelihood of triggering increases during the course of the day. Above the timberline, snowdrift accumulations can in some places be triggered by one sole person and release a medium-sized slab avalanche.

The fresh snow which has fallen over this last week is settling. Due to higher temperatures and diffuse radiation, and rainfall in some places, the snowpack is moistening again to an increasing degree, thereby forfeiting its firmness which makes it possible to release naturally. The snowpack is often wet down to the ground, enhancing gliding movement. Various layers of fresh snow and ddrifts from recent days are bonding, but in some places are still prone to triggering.

The wet-snow problem will persist over the next few days. The snowdrift problem will recede.