Speaking with BR24, he emphasized the area remains life-threatening, particularly due to a clearly visible fissure at the break-off edge that continues to pose rockfall risk.
Current Risk Assessment
Geologist Stefan Kellerbauer specifically warns that rainfall would “significantly” increase the risk of further rockfalls. “Not all unstable sections have broken away yet,” the expert noted. Authorities currently believe another rockfall of at least equal magnitude to the recent event is possible.
Planned Actions
For more precise risk evaluation:
- Drone survey of the break-off edge planned in coming days
- Manager Weckel strongly advises hikers to:
- Respect all barriers
- Avoid unnecessary risks
- Observe current trail closures (hiking routes 411 and 421 in upper Wimbach Valley)
National Park Status Elsewhere
Weckel confirms other areas remain safe:
- All other hiking trails remain open
- All mountain huts accessible
- General alpine dangers still apply
Only restriction: Avoid closed Trischübelpass
Mountain Rescue Perspective
Nikolaus Burger, regional head of Bavarian Mountain Rescue (Chiemgau), contextualizes the risk:
- Rockfalls aren’t common in the region
- Main danger often comes from unprepared hikers
- Bavaria sees 8,000-9,000 rescue missions annually
- 50-80 fatal mountain accidents per year
Burger identifies typical accident causes:
- Younger hikers: Overconfidence, poor preparation
- Older hikers: More medical emergencies
Key prevention: Trip planning with paper maps, weather checks, proper gear
His advice: “Call mountain rescue early – We don’t scold, we save.”
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