Chiemgau Alps East

Avoid snowdrifts

Avoid snowdrifts

Avalanche danger above the treeline is moderate, below that altitude danger is low. Main problem: snowdrifts. Avalanche prone locations are found in steep ridgeleine terrain in N/E/SW aspects, behind abrupt changes in the terrain as well as in wind-loaded gullies and bowls. In places small to medium-sized slab avalanches can be triggered even by minimal additional loading such as a single skier. Apart from the dangers of being buried in snow, be attentive to the risks of falling. On steep smooth grassy-covered slopes. isolated small glide snow avalanches can trigger naturally. Due to solar radiation, isolated small loose snow slides can release spontaneously in steep rocky terrain.

As of the onset of precipitations on Saturday until Sunday evening a total of 10-15 cm of new snow will fall widespread; in orographic barrier zones even more. At lower altitudes the new snow is deposited atop bare ground. At higher altitudes it is transported by stormy westerly winds and is in places deposited atop snowdrifts, graupel or the loose fresh snow layers of Saturday. Soft layers that are prone to triggering are embedded in the accumulated snowdrift masses. The trigger-sensitivity increases with ascending altitude. Elsewhere the old snowpack is compact and stable. It is completely moist and wet at ground level.

The snowdrifts will settle fast at the beginning of the week. Following warmer weather and sun, small wet loose snow avalanches are likely.