In the High Tatras, Western Tatras and the western part of the Low Tatras, a slight avalanche danger applies on Monday in the highest places, the second level on the five-part international scale. In the Fatras and the eastern part of the Low Tatras, there is only a small avalanche danger. In the morning, the surface of the snow cover will be hard, especially in the middle positions and positions exposed to sunlight the previous day. This was reported by the Avalanche Prevention Center (SLP) of the Mountain Rescue Service (HZS).
- There is a moderate avalanche danger in the high mountain areas of the Tatras.
- In the Fatras and the eastern part of the Low Tatras, the avalanche danger is low.
- SLP and HZS warn of the formation of unstable snow pillows and slabs.
- In the coming nights, extremely cold conditions of up to minus 20 °C are expected.
- SHMÚ has issued frost warnings for most of northern and eastern Slovakia.
On the leeward sides of the mountains, in the highest positions, snow pillows and slabs are locally created by the wind, which stability can be low, especially on steep to very steep shaded slopes. Locally, it is possible to release an avalanche here, primarily by a large additional load. “In the central locations, due to the change in temperature, the snow has settled and stabilized. During the day, it will gradually become heavier on the slopes facing the south and the sun, which will reduce its stability. During the day, small spontaneous avalanches, mainly from wet snow, may occasionally occur here.” the center said.
The snow from the last snowfall period was blown by strong winds into the valleys, the windward sides are often blown down to the ground. “In the highest locations, it has retained its dusty character, in the middle, a crust or a layer of firn has formed on the surface. During the day, due to warming, the snow on the southern slopes will become wet and melt.” added SLP. The total height of the snow cover is still below average.
The Mountain Rescue Service (HZS) warns visitors about the freezing conditions on the mountains during the next few nights. She reported on the website that from midnight Monday to Tuesday, January 20, she became rare the minimum air temperature is expected to be minus 20 degrees Celsius.
The Slovak Hydrometeorological Institute has issued a level 2 warning for most of the northern districts of central and eastern Slovakia. A level 1 warning is issued for all other districts, except for the westernmost ones. Temperatures from minus 19 to minus 15 degrees Celsius are expected in some places. The warning is valid until Tuesday until 9:00 a.m. and from midnight on Tuesday to Wednesday, January 21, also until 9:00 a.m. Meteorologists warn that due to intense exposure to cold, the body temperature decreases, which leads to hypothermia of the body. An intense drop in body temperature prevents the heart, nervous system and other organs from functioning normally.
“If you decide to take a night or morning trip to the mountains in this freezing weather, pay particular attention to the protection of your head, legs and hands and don’t forget to layer your clothes. Thank you for respecting the warnings and thus not endangering yourself or us.adds HZS.
