Chiemgau Alps East

Possibility of isolated glide snow avalanches

Possibility of isolated glide snow avalanches

Avalanche danger is low. Main problem: glide snow. Possibility of isolated glide snow avalanches on steep slopes with smooth ground and still enough snow. They can release spontaneously in any aspect and at any time of day or night and tend to remain small. Glide cracks indicate danger zones. In isolated cases small slabs can still be triggered adjacent to ridges and on the shady side in extremely steep high altitude terrain, as a rule only by large additional loading such as a person walking on foot or a group of skiers.

Due to very cloudy skies during Thursday night only a thin melt-freeze crust can form which softens swiftly during the day. The snowpack is thoroughly moist and frequently wet down to the ground. Therefore, gliding movements over smooth ground are possible. On very steep shady slopes at higher altitudes weak layers can still be found in isolated cases. Below 1500 m more and more of the surfaces are becoming bare of snow. In the Bavarian Alps it is now almost impossible to go backcountry skiing without having to carry the skis for part of the route.

Since the weather will remain stable the avalanche danger is not likely to change much on the weekend.