Chiemgau Alps East

Small wet loose snow avalanches possible in sunny steep terrain.

Small wet loose snow avalanches possible in sunny steep terrain.

Avalanche danger in the Bavarian Alps is low. As a result of the rising temperatures, the wet-snow problem gains in importance. On south-facing slopes in the latter part of the day, small wet loose-snow avalanches can trigger naturally in steep rocky terrain. Isolated small glide snow avalanches can start sliding over the smooth ground on steep grass-covered slopes.

In the Bavarian Alps the snowpack is generally well consolidated and stable. Intermediate layers embedded in the old snowpack that used to be prone to triggering do no longer have the tendency of fracture propagation. On shady slopes there is frequently unbonded powder frozen to the surface or, in exposed high-altitude terrain, wind-crusts prevail. On south-facing slopes, the melt-freeze crust which is capable of bearing loads softens up in the sunshine during the day. At intermediate altitudes the snowpack is partly moist which can promote gliding movements of the snowpack.

The avalanche situation will not change significantly during the weekend.