Chiemgau Alps East

Winds are generating small snowdrift accumulations.

Winds are generating small snowdrift accumulations.

Avalanche danger is low. Snowdrifts are often problematic above the treeline. Danger zones occur in steep ridgeline terrain and in wind-loaded gullies and bowls. Slab avalanches can be triggered by one single winter sports enthusiast. The releases will mostly be small-sized. In isolated cases on very steep slopes small glide-snow avalanches can release over smooth ground.

On south-facing slopes, a thin melt-freeze crust will form overnight in many places. On shady slopes the snow will remain soft. Westerly winds will set in during the nocturnal hours, during the daytime hours snowfall will set in. The loose snow will be transported by winds, generate snowdrifted masses in summit and ridgeline areas. Size and frequency of the drifts will tend to increase with ascending altitude. At altitudes of 1800-2200m, there is a melt-freeze crust capable of bearing loads, beneath which a weak layer of faceted crystals has formed. The old snowpack base has varying depths, it is often lacking in wind-exposed zones. At intermediate altitudes the snow base is often moist, wet in some places, which can lead the entire snowpack to gliding over smooth ground.

Due to snowfall avalanche dangers will increase.