Chiemgau Alps East

Snowdrift accumulations and loose snow slides both require attentiveness

Snowdrift accumulations and loose snow slides both require attentiveness

Avalanche danger above the treeline is moderate, below that altitude danger is low. Fresh snowdrift accumulations are the main problem. One single winter sports enthusiast can, on ridgelines, on some steep slopes in N/E/S aspects, in freshly wind-loaded gullies and bowls, and behind protruberances, trigger small to medium sized avalanches. Frequency and size of the danger zones increase with ascending altitude. In addition, the fresh snow can release naturally as small-to-medium loose-snow avalanches in steep rocky terrain. Isolated wet-snow and glide-snow avalanches are still possible.

A slightly cloudy sky with storm strength winds and further precipitation, with the focus in western regions, is expected tonight. Snowfall level will descend on Saturday down to 700 m. Especially above the trereline, fresh snowdrift accumulations will be generated, often deposited atop soft layers and prone to triggering. Beneath the fresh snow and drifts at high altitudes, in addition, a thin layer of faceted crystals can form. At intermediate altitudes the old snowpack is thoroughly wet. In addition, the snow is becoming wet from the warm earth, it could begin to glide as a single mass. Below 1500m the slopes are largely bare.

Also on Sunday, cool and windy. No significant change in avalanche danger levels is expected.