Chiemgau Alps East

Avoid ridgeline snowdrifts: prone to triggering

Avoid ridgeline snowdrifts: prone to triggering

Avalanche danger in the Bavarian Alps is moderate. Main problem: the snowdrift accumulations which in places can be triggered even by minimum additional loading (1 person). Danger zones occur on steep ridgelines slopes in NW/E/S aspects, they increase both in size and in frequency with ascending altitude. 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.

Amid gusty SW winds, fresh snowdrifts have accumulated which are very prone to triggering since they will be deposited atop soft powder snow, also atop surface hoar. The above-average snow depths have settled well and are stable. At intermediate and low altitudes the snowpack base is frequently wet; the result: it glides over the grassy slopes.

Storm-strength winds on Sunday will intensify the snowdrift problem at high altitudes.