Bavarian Prealps East

Snowdrift problem in the making as easterly winds generate drifts on west-facing slopes

Danger of slab avalanches gradually diminishing

Snowdrift problem in the making as easterly winds generate drifts on west-facing slopes

Above 1500m avalanche danger is moderate, below that altitude danger is low. Snowdrifts are the main 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, also on slopes which were bare of snow prior to the current snowfall. Isolated small loose-snow avalanches of fresh fallen snow are possible in steep rocky terrain.

Gusty, often storm-strength N/W winds 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.