Innsbruck/Munich (dpa/lby) – The state of Tyrol warns of tours in open terrain before the Christmas holidays. The avalanche warning service “strongly recommends staying on the secured slopes. Great experience and defensive behavior is required in the open ski area,” said a statement on Friday. During the day, the avalanche danger increases to level four – that means a great avalanche danger.

A warm front also causes thaws in the Bavarian Alps up to high altitudes. The German Weather Service (DWD) warns of heavy continuous rain for the Allgäu Alps. Up to 90 liters per square meter are possible until Saturday evening, in traffic jams even amounts of up to 140 liters. The thaw is also affecting the snow cover in the Bavarian winter sports areas such as Lenggries or Garmisch-Partenkirchen.