Bavarian Prealps East

Snowdrift accumulations often prone to triggering, but difficult to recognize

Snowdrift accumulations often prone to triggering, but difficult to recognize

Above the timberline avalanche danger is moderate, below that altitude danger is low. Snowdrift accumulations are the major problem. Danger zones where slab avalanches can be triggered even by one sole skier occur in steep ridgeline terrain on N/E/S-facing slopes, in wind-loaded gullies and bowls, and behind protruberances in the terrain. Frequency of danger zones increases with ascending altitude. Slab avalanches can grow to medium size. In addition, the fresh snow can trigger as a loose-snow avalanche in rocky or extremely steep terrain. At higher altitudes, loose-snow avalanches can reach medium size. Small glide-snow avalanches can be expected more frequently on steep grass-covered slopes. Small loose-snow slides can release naturally in steep terrain.

Gusty, often storm-strength winds from varying directions accompanied the recent snowfall. During the course of the day winds will shift to easterly and intensify, thereby generating new snowdrift accumulations. Often, graupel is embedded in the drifts. At intermediate altitude the fresh snow was often deposited atop wet ground bare of snow.

Avalanche danger will gradually recede, wet snow will become the problem.