Chiemgau Alps East

Above 1400m, heed trigger-sensitive snowdrift accumulations

Above 1400m, heed trigger-sensitive snowdrift accumulations

Avalanche danger above 1400m is considerable, below that altitude danger is low. Main problem: the fresh snowdrift accumulations, both near to and distant from ridgelines on steep wind-loaded slopes, behind protruberances and in wind-loaded gullies and bowls. Even the weight of one sole skier can trigger a slab, and the avalanche then grow to medium size. In case of solar radiation, the settling impulse of the fresh snow in the latter part of the day will lead to naturally triggered medium-sized loose-snow avalanches and slab avalanches in steep rocky terrain.

By Wednesday morning, an additional 10-20 cm of fresh snow is anticipated amid stormy westerly winds. New, also large-sized snowdrift accumulations are expected, and made prone to triggering by weak intermediate layers and graupel. All in all, the snowpack shows immense effect of wind impact. Crests and ridges are windblown, leeward gullies are filled to the brim with drifts. At high altitudes there are weak intermediate layers of faceted crystals beneath melt-freeze crusts inside the old snowpack. At intermediate altitudes the snowpack base is compact and often wet down to the ground.

High-pressure front weather conditions will calm the stormy winds on Wednesday. On Thursday, it will be noticeably milder. Avalanche danger levels remain tense.