Chiemgau Alps East

Heavy snowfall in many places

Heavy snowfall in many places

Above 1500 m avalanche danger in the Bavarian Prealps is moderate, below that altitude danger is low. Main problem: the fresh fallen snow which can trigger naturally as a loose-snow avalanche in steep rocky terrain. Danger zones occur esp. in steep ridgeline terrain on E/S/W facing slopes and in wind-loaded gullies and bowls. Wherever the snow is bonded like a slab, caution is imperative. This is the case on many slopes at high altitudes. Slab avalanches can be triggered even by 1 person and reach medium size. The often still loose fresh snow can trigger naturally as a loose-snow avalanche in extremely steep terrain, or also be triggered by persons. Apart from these risks, the dangers of falling are needful of consideration. In addition, the danger of glide-snow avalanches is increasing somewhat, esp. on very steep slopes with a smooth ground beneath in all aspects - natural triggering is possible. Glide cracks are covered, thus, hard to spot. These releases can reach medium size.

There has been 20-40 cm of fresh snow registered, deposited on an icy/encrusted old snowpack surface, generally capable of bearing loads. At higher altitudes the older drifts are blanketed. Bonding of fresh to old snow is good at low altitudes, deteriorates with ascending altitude, often riddled with graupel. As NE winds intensify the fresh snow is being transported, many new snowdrift accumulations will be generated which are prone to triggering, deposited atop loose snow. The old snowpack is thoroughly wet, often wet down to the ground. Gliding movements are thereby enhanced. At low altitudes the fresh snow was deposited directly on bare ground.

As precipitation tapers off and high-pressure conditions get the upper hand, avalanche danger will recede.