At present, the avalanche danger remains relatively low. However, with the arrival of fresh snow announced for Thursday night into Friday, the situation is expected to shift. Avalanche warning services in Germany, Austria, and Italy have already updated their reports.
In the Bavarian lowlands, up to 10 centimeters of snow is expected, while the high mountains could see 15 centimeters or more. The situation is complicated by weather conditions involving strong winds, with gusts reaching hurricane-force speeds of up to 120 km/h in some areas. Below 1,000 meters, snow is likely to turn into rain, which presents its own danger: the threat of black ice.
Avalanche Danger in Bavaria and Austria
The Bavarian Avalanche Warning Service explained: “Due to storm-force winds and fresh snow, the risk of avalanches will continue to rise.” This primarily affects those participating in snowshoeing and ski touring. There have been few opportunities for fresh snow in Bavaria this winter season, so many will likely want to take advantage of the moment. However, it is precisely the wind-drifted snow accumulations that create hazardous conditions.
The snowfall is expected to last until Saturday, potentially resulting in a fresh snow layer of up to 40 centimeters.
- Bavaria — Levels 1 and 2 of 5: Currently, a “low” avalanche danger level is mostly in effect across Bavaria. However, an “moderate” level has been declared for areas above 1,000 meters. This affects the Berchtesgaden Alps, the Bavarian Prealps from east to west, the Werdenfels Alps near the Zugspitze, and the Allgäu Alps. Specifically, the service warns of wind-drifted snow—masses of snow moved by the wind that have a weak internal structure. These form “slabs” that can slide and trigger an avalanche.
- Austria — Level 3 of 5: In almost all Alpine regions above the treeline, a “moderate” danger level is also in effect due to avalanches and wind-drifted snow (e.g., in the Kitzbühel Alps, Hohe Tauern near the Grossglockner, or the Zillertal Alps). However, in certain mountain ranges popular with skiers—specifically the Stubai and Lechtal Alps—a “considerable” avalanche warning is in place.
Attention Hikers and Skiers
The European Avalanche Warning Services (EAWS) cautioned that starting at Level 3 (“considerable”), even experienced individuals cannot always recognize dangerous snowfields and risk triggering medium-sized avalanches. Those who have planned a hike or are currently at a ski resort should check current local conditions and remain only in areas where avalanche risk is absent. Information from all relevant services is also available on the German Alpine Club (DAV) website.Source: Bavarian Avalanche Warning Service, br
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