Chiemgau Alps East

On steep sunny slopes, naturally triggered medium-sized loose-snow and slab avalanches possible

On steep sunny slopes, naturally triggered medium-sized loose-snow and slab avalanches possible

Avalanche danger above 1600 m is moderate, below that altitude danger is low. Main problem: snowdrift accumulations. Danger zones occur in steep wind-loaded ridgeline zones in NW/E/S aspects, behind protruberances and in wind-loaded gullies and bowls. The weight of one single skier can trigger a medium-sized slab avalancahe, particularly in transitions from shallow to deep snow. Due to mild temperatures and solar radiation, naturally triggered mostly medium-sized, occasionally large-sized, loose-snow avalanches and slab avalanches can be expected on steep sunny, rocky and wind-loaded slopes. At intermediate altitudes, small glide-snow avalanches can trigger naturally in isolated cases over smooth, steep grass-covered slopes.

The Bavarian Alps registered a minor amount of fresh snow on Tuesday night, rainfall extended up to 1400 m. Strong NW winds generated fresh snowdrift accumulations, these have bonded better in the last few days. Weak intermediate layers inside the drifts and embedded graupel are still prone to triggering. All in all, the snowpack which shows high wind impact is beginning to settle. Exposed crests and ridges are windblown, leeward gullies are filled with transported snow and bonded drifts. At high altitudes there are deeply embedded layers of faceted crystals beneath melt-freeze crusts inside the old snowpack. At intermediate altitudes the fundament is compact, often moist down to the ground, which reinforces gliding movement of the entire snowpack. Solar radiation has moistened the surface, a melt-freeze crust tends to form during the nocturnal hours which then will soften up on Thursday and the process of snowpack-moistening will continue, forfeiting the firmness of the snowpack.

On Thursday night the next perturbance will arrive bringing snowfall and wind to the Bavarian Alps. Avalanche danger levels are not expected to change significantly.