The low avalanche danger, the first level of the five-part international scale, also applies on Sunday in the High, Western and Low Tatras, as well as in Veľká and Mala Fatra. With the expected snowfall from Sunday to Monday (January 26), it should have an upward trend. The Avalanche Prevention Center of the Mountain Rescue Service (SLP HZS) informed about it.
In the High, Western and central parts of the Low Tatras, with the exception of isolated slopes, especially the northern and northwestern exposures, a favorable avalanche situation generally prevails. “Avalanche release is possible on very steep slopes, where snow boards and pillows are stored, especially with a large additional load. In positions up to 1,600 meters above sea level, snow slides and small avalanches from wet snow are possible,” SLP warned.
The snow from the last snowfall there was blown by strong winds onto the leeward slopes or up to the valleys, windward sides and ridges they are often blown down to grassy or rocky ground. In most locations, a crust or layer of hard firn is formed on the surface of the snow cover. It is mostly found on the northern slopes above 1800 meters above sea level dry snow of different quality, in places it is loose, but most often bound by the wind in the form of snow boards or pillows. As the weather warms up during the day, the snow cover will be moist to wet in locations up to 1,600 meters above sea level.
Total the height of the snow cover is still below average. The snow cover in the Fatras and the eastern part of the Low Tatras is stabilized, the occurrence of spontaneous avalanches is not expected. “On isolated steep slopes, where there is more drifted snow, the release of smaller avalanches is possible when the weather warms up during the day, especially with a large additional load,” SLP added.
A strong wind blew the snow from the last period down to the valleys, windward sides and ridges are often blown down to the grassy ground. In most locations, a crust or layer of hard firn is formed on the surface of the snow cover, on which new wet snow is added in places. The total height of the snow cover is still significantly below average.
