Chiemgau Alps East

Heed trigger-sensitive snowdrifts at all altitudes

Heed trigger-sensitive snowdrifts at all altitudes

Avalanche danger above the treeline is considerable, below that altitude danger is moderate. Main problem: the snowdrifts generated over the last few days. Many danger zones occur in steep ridgeline terrain in N/E/S aspects, in freshly wind-loaded gullies and bowls, behind protruberances, where a large slab avalanches can be triggered even by the weight of one sole skier. Frequency and size of the danger zones increase with ascending altitude. Due to warmth and solar radiation, naturally triggered, even large-sized loose-snow and slab avalanches can be expected in the steep rocky starting zones, particularly when triggered avalanches fracture down to deeper layers of the snowpack. On steep, smooth grass-covered slopes and in sparsely wooded zones, the snowpack can glide as a whole over the ground.

On Monday night amid strong wind there ws an additional 10 cm of fresh snow registered. The drifts of recent days lie deposited on wind-crusts and melt-freeze crusts and powdery snow and are insufficiently bonded. The drifts are thus prone to triggering. At intermediate altitudes the snow has settled and has become superficially moist. During the nights, melt-freeze crusts form, the soften up during the daytime amid higher temperatures and solar radiation. Due to the snowpack becoming thoroughly wet, it is further weakened.

Avalanche danger will recede gradually over the next few days.