Chiemgau Alps East

Snowdrift accumulations prone to triggering at high altitudes

Snowdrift accumulations prone to triggering at high altitudes

Avalanche danger in the Bavarian Alps is considerable above 1500 m. Main problem:fresh snowdrift accumulations. Danger zones occur on steep ridgeline N/E/SW facing slopes, behind discontinuities and in wind-loaded gullies and bowls. Snowdrift accumulations can be triggered as slab avalanches by one sole person and reach medium size. In addition, glide-snow activity on smooth grass-covered slopes in in forest clearances has increased at intermediate altitudes. Avoid zones below glide cracks.

The fresh snow is being transported by brisk NW winds, snowdrift accumulations are being deposited atop a melt-freeze crust at intermediate altitudes, atop variable wind crusts higher up. Bonding is often poor. In addition, beneath the thin melt-freeze crust are trigger-prone weak layers of faceted crystals. At lower altitudes the snow base is moist, sometimes wet down to the ground, resulting in reinforced gliding movements of the entire snowpack.

Stable high-pressure weather will make avalanche danger levels decrease on the weekend.