Avalanche danger as heavy snow registered in parts of Alps

The early onset of wintry weather in the Bavarian Alps in southern Germany has triggered avalanche warnings in higher altitudes, reported dpa.

Above approximately 1,200 metres, a continuous snow cover has formed, reaching up to one metre thickness in some areas, according to the Bavarian avalanche warning service.

Fresh snow, piled high by strong winds in places, could loosen in slabs on steep terrain. This could trigger medium-sized avalanches, big enough to bury people.

Snow depths of around 1.2 metres have been recorded in the Chiemgau alps near the Austrian border, while just under 90 centimetres have been registered on the plateau of the Zugspitze, Germany's highest mountain.

More than a metre of snow is unusual for this time of year.