Berchtesgaden Alps

Snowdrifts now blanketed by fresh snow

Snowdrifts now blanketed by fresh snow

Avalanche danger in the Berchtesgaden Alps above 2000 m is moderate, below that altitude danger is low. Main problem: snowdrift accumulations. Isolated danger zones occur in steep ridgeline terrain on N/E/S facing sloeps and in wind-loaded gullies and bowls. Small slabs can be triggered by 1 person. The danger of falling generally outweighs that of being buried in snow. In addition, in extremely steep terrain at intermediate altitudes, wet loose-snow avalanches can trigger naturally wherever there is sufficient snow on the ground, mostly small releases.

At high altitudes, snowdrift accumulations are now covered by fresh fallen snow, these can be trigger-prone. Otherwise the bonding of fresh snow to the moist or melt-freeze encrusted surface is mostly good. The old snowpack at intermediate altitudes is often thoroughly wet. In case of solar radiation the fresh snow loses its firmness in steep rocky terrain and can begin to glide away.

Due to rising temperatures, the wet-snow problem will come to the forefront in the next few days.