Chiemgau Alps East

Although thoroughly wet, snowpack by and large stable

Although thoroughly wet, snowpack by and large stable

Low avalanche danger prevails in the Bavarian Alps. Main problem: isolated wet snow avalanches at intermediate altitude. These are generally small-sized and can trigger naturally in steep rocky terrain, in steep forest aisles, and on smooth grass-covered slopes where there is still enough snow on the ground and where no avalanches have yet discharged. Due to solar radiation south aspects are somewhat more affected as the day progresses.In addition, isolated weak intermediate layers in the old snowpack are sill prone to triggering at high altitudes. This is in particular possible by large additional loading on shady, extremely steep slopes at transitions from shallow to deep snow, for example at the entry points to gullies and bowls. Avalanches that are released are mostly small; the danger of being forced to take a fall outweighs that of being buried in snow.

Below 1500m the distinctive layering within the snowpack with crusts alternating with soft snow layers has mostly disappeared due to the massive penetration of water in the last few days. Here, the snowpack is all in all low in tension and stable. The snowpack is moist to wet down to ground layers; therefore, gliding movements of the snow masses cannot be excluded. When skies are clear melt-freeze crusts of varying thickness form during the night which melt again during the day on the sunny side. In the forest the snow stays wet and soft. At higher altitudes the snowpack is extremely compact with only low sink-in depths. Weak layers consisting of faceted crystals are most likely to persist close to ground level on shady slopes above 2200 m.

Strong rain up to high altitude is forecast by mid-week. Avalanche danger levels are expected to increase again.