Chiemgau Alps East

Weak intermediate layers embedded in snowpack still prone to triggering at higher altitudes

Weak intermediate layers embedded in snowpack still prone to triggering at higher altitudes

Avalanche danger above the timberline is moderate; below the timberline danger is low. Main problem: fresh snowdrifts. Avalanche prone locations are found in steep ridgeline terrain in N-E-SW aspects as well as in gullies and bowls that are freshly wind-loaded. From place to place, medium-sized slab avalanches can be triggered by one sole skier. Frequency and size of avalanche prone locations increase during the course of the day and with ascending altitude above sea level. Furthermore, at higher altitudes weak intermediate layers persist in the near-surface snow layers in the old snowpack that are still prone to triggering.

The snowpack has generally settled well. At higher altitudes weak intermediate layers are still embedded in the near-surface layers of the old snowpack under a thin ince crust at the borders between varying layers. Breakable wind and melt-freeze crusts prevail at the snowpack surface. In north-facing terrain you will find faceted crystals and settled powder. Heavy northwesterly wind will transport the forecast 10 cm to 20 cm of new snow and generate fresh trigger-sensitive snowdrifts. At intermediate altitudes the snowpack depths are below average--with the exception of the Chiemgau and the Berchtesgaden Alps. In sunny terrain at lower altitudes the new fallen snow is deposited directly on the ground.

The weather on the weekend will be unstable with plenty of wind and snow showers. Depending on the intensity of the precipitations and the wind strength the avalanche danger can increase further.