Overview
- Bergwacht Ramsau and Alpine police reached the Watzmann‑Hocheck site for planned repairs and discovered far more extensive destruction than previously known.
- Responders found an open door with about 15 centimeters of snow inside, a smashed window that let in rain and snow, and water‑soaked timber likely requiring a full wall replacement.
- A heavily damaged padlock to the main room and equipment depot had to be cut open, which rescuers said could have blocked access during an emergency.
- The Bavarian Red Cross estimates a four‑figure cost for materials, repair work, and helicopter deployments needed to secure and fix the hut.
- After earlier incidents in June and October, volunteers are questioning whether to keep maintaining the repeatedly targeted shelter as police seek tips through the Grenzpolizeiinspektion Piding.