Berchtesgaden Alps

Snowdrifts are problematic

Snowdrifts are problematic

Avalanche danger above 1600m is considerable, below that altitude danger is low. Snowdrifts are the main problem. Slab avalanches can trigger even by the weight of one single person. Many danger zones occur in steep ridgeline terrain in all aspects and in wind-loaded gullies and bowls, often near forest edges and in clearances. Avalanches can reach medium size at high altitudes. In addition, the fresh snow of recent days can trigger naturally as loose-snow avalanches in sunny, rocky, steep terrain.

Rising easterly winds will consolidate the loose fresh fallen snow and make it prone to triggering. Inside the snow masses of recent days there are weak layers of graupel and expansively metamorphosed crystals embedded which were generated during the interims in precipItation. In addition, in the uppermost metre of the snowpack beneath a marked melt-freeze crust there is a trigger-sensitive weak layer, particularly evident at intermediate altitudes. At low altitudes the snowpack is moist down to the ground, but gliding movements over grassy, smooth slopes are still the exception. At low altitudes there is little snow on the ground, be careful of contact with the ground!

Avalanche danger levels will recede over the next few days due to stable weather conditions and mild temperatures.