Chiemgau Alps East

Snowdrifts still prone to triggering at high altitudes

Snowdrifts still prone to triggering at high altitudes

Avalanche danger in the Bavarian Alps is moderate abaove 1600 m, below that altitude danger is low. Main problem: the snowdrift accumulations which above 1600 m can be triggered even by minimum additional loading (1 person). Danger zones occur on steep slopes in all aspects, they increase both in size and in frequency with ascending altitude. Danger zones are difficult to recognize, since they are blanketed by fresher snow. Slab avalanches are mostly small sized, but can be larger when they fracture down to more deeply embedded layers. On steep grass-covered slopes and in wooded zones in all aspects, glide-snow avalanches can trigger naturally. Glide cracks are indicators of threatening danger.

Inside the snowdrift accumulations from the last few days there are intermediate layers which are trigger-sensitive in some places. Up to intermediate altitudes the potential weak layers have dispersed, the snowpack has settled well. At intermediate and low altitudes the snowpack base is frequently wet; the result: it glides over the grassy slopes. Overall the snow depths are significantly above average for this juncture of the season.

At low altitudes the rising temperatures will soon create a wet-snow problem