Chiemgau Alps East

Not much snow at intermediate altitudes in the Bavarian Alps.

Not much snow at intermediate altitudes in the Bavarian Alps.

In the morning avalanche danger is low, but rises to moderate in line with the daytime danger cycle. Isolated weak intermediate layers in the old snowpack in extremely steep north to east-facing terrain are a problem. There, avalanches can still be triggered by large additional loading and can grow to medium size. Naturally releasing medium-sized superficial wet snow avalanches can be expected in steep terrain due to solar radiation and rise in temperature during the course of the day. Isolated small glide snow avalanches can trigger at ground level on steep smooth grass-covered slopes. Glide cracks indicate danger.

At intermediate altitude the snowpack is mostly encrusted in the morning, has settled well and is stable. As a consequence of solar radiation and mild temperatures the snowpack surface moistens thoroughly during the course of the day and as a result the snowpack forfeits its firmness. In some places in extremely steep shady terrain weak intermediate layers have persisted in the old snowpack that consist of expansively metamorphosed (faceted) crystals and are prone to triggering. On sunny slopes the ground has become bare again up to high altitudes in many places.

The old snow problem will gradually recede; wet snow will become more of an issue. The avalanche situation will not change significantly in the next few days.