Lölling was quickest after the first run of the women's competition with a time of 52.02sec before organisers called a halt to proceedings amid worsening conditions.

The IBSF have confirmed the second heat will not be re-run, meaning the event now becomes a test of the quickest time over three runs instead of four.

Defending champion Tina Hermann, also of Germany, was second after the opening day's action on home ice as she was a slender 0.06 slower than her compatriot.

Third spot on the leaderboard is occupied by Elisabeth Vathje of Canada, while Britain's Lizzy Yarnold, the Olympic champion, is fourth.

The third and fourth heats are scheduled for tomorrow.

"At the start area we all had realised that it became impossible to get good times," Lölling, who is hoping to add the world title to the European crown she secured earlier this year, said. 

"The track was covered with snow, that really slows you down. 

"So the decision to cancel the heat was absolutely right.“ 

In the men's event, double Olympic medallist Martins Dukurs of Latvia got his pursuit of a third straight world title off to a commanding start as he leads the standings after two of four runs.

The Latvian is in pole position with a time of 1:41.95, 0.76 ahead of Nikita Tregybov of Russia.

Alex Jungk of Germany is third.

"I think I chose the right sled today," said Dukurs. 

"I am happy with the pushes and the runs were good. 

"I did not expect to be ahead so much but the others made some mistakes."

The event in Königssee continues tomorrow.