Chiemgau Alps East

In transitions from deep to shallow snow, one sole skier can still trigger slab avalanches

In transitions from deep to shallow snow, one sole skier can still trigger slab avalanches

Avalanche danger is moderate. Main problem: intermediate layers which are prone to triggering. Some danger zones are found above 1600 m near ridges in steep N/E/SE aspects and in wind-loaded gullies and bowls. In these zones, large-sized slab avalanches can be triggered, e.g. by large additional loading. Particularly in transitions from deep to shallow snow, e.g. at entries into wind-loaded gullies, one sole skier can trigger deeply embedded layers inside the snowpack. As a result of fresh snow and strong westerly winds, a snowdrift problem has been generated at high altitudes. The fresh, rather small snowdrift accumulations are prone to triggering and can be triggered by the weight of one sole skier. The dangers of taking a fall outweigh those of being buried in snow. At intermediate altitudes, the snowpack can glide as a whole over smooth ground, particularly on steep, grass-covered wind-loaded slopes. The glide-snow avalanches can grow to medium size. AVOID slopes where there are glide cracks.

The snowpack has settled well as a whole, it is wind-pressed and on sunny slopes melt-freeze encrusted. It shows heavy impact from wind: crests and ridges are windblown, leeward slopes, gullies and bowls are filled to the brim with drifts. Inside the old snow are expansively metamorphosed (faceted) crystals near thin melt-freeze layers. These weak layers are pronounced at high altitudes; depending on wind impact they lie near to the upper surface or more deeply embedded beneath the snowdrift masses. On Friday morning, snowfall will set in, amid intense westerly wind influence. The minor amount of fresh snow will be transported at high altitudes, and will generate new, small, trigger-sensitive snowdrift accumulations.

On Friday, a weak cold front will bring an end to the springlike weather and bring some fresh snow. Avalanche danger levels on the weekend will relax somewhat due to lower temperatures.