Chiemgau Alps East

Snowdrifts can be triggered as smaller slab avalanches.

Snowdrifts can be triggered as smaller slab avalanches.

Avalanche danger is low. The main problem stems from older snowdrift accumulations. Avalanche prone locations are primarily found in steep ridgeline terrain in S/W/N aspects as well as in wind-loaded gullies and bowls. Size and frequency increase with ascending altitude and experienced individuals can recognize them easily. In places, avalanches can even be triggered by minimum additional loading such as a single skier. However, they are mostly small. The dangers of being forced to take a fall exceed those of being buried in snow. Due to solar radiation and warming the danger of small loose snow avalanches releasing in steep rocky terrain increases on sunny slopes during the course of the day. Additionally, isolated glide snow avalanches can release on smooth steep grass-covered slopes.

In leeward zones, small snowdrifts are in some places deposited atop loose snow layers or surface hoar. Locally, graupel is embedded near the surface. In the old snowpack at higher altitudes there are weak intermediate layers of faceted crystals close to crusts. The snowpack depths in the terrain vary strongly; in wind exposed places and lower altitudes it is below average, gullies and bowls are filled to the brim. A nocturnal thin crust can form at lower altitudes and in south aspects that softens again during the course of the night; thus the snowpack forfeits its firmness.

Due to calm weather the danger of dry slab avalanches will recede further.