Chiemgau Alps East

Heed trigger-sensitive snowdrift accumulations

Heed trigger-sensitive snowdrift accumulations

Avalanche danger is moderate above the timberline. Main problem: the freshly generated snowdrift accumulations, often trigger-sensitive. Above the timberline in steep ridgeline terrain on N/E/SW facing slopes and in wind-loaded gullies and bowls, small slab avalanches can be triggered even by one sole winter sports enthusiast. The risks of taking a fall outweigh those of being buried in snow masses. In extremely steep terrain, furthermore, small loose-snow avalanches can trigger naturally from the fresh snow.

As a consequence of fresh snow and wind over the last few days, far-reaching snowdrift accumulations have been generated and are growing. Bonding to the old snowpack is often poor. At intermediate altitudes the layering is often better and there is little snow on the ground. Otherwise the snowpack fundament has settled well and is melt-freeze encrusted.

Depending on the intensiveness of precipitation, avalanche danger levels could increase on Thursday.