Avalanche release is possible on steep slopes, especially with a large additional load. In the Vysoké and West Tatras on Tuesday, a slight avalanche danger has been declared in positions above 2,000 meters above sea level (m above sea level), level two on the five-part international scale. In the Fatras and Low Tatras, a small avalanche danger is declared above the forest zone. The Avalanche Prevention Center of the Mountain Rescue Service (SLP HZS) informed about it.
- On steep slopes, an avalanche can mainly be caused by a large additional load.
- In the High and Western Tatras, there is a slight avalanche danger above two thousand meters.
- In the Fatras and Low Tatras, there is a low avalanche danger above the forest zone.
- The wind created dangerous snowdrifts and pillows on the Tatra slopes.
- Avalanches in the highest locations are a threat only on very steep slopes.
The avalanche problem is windblown snow from the last snowfall, which fell last week with more than 30 centimeters, mainly on the northern side of the Tatras. On the sunny slopes, the snow got wet and then froze, which stabilized the situation. However, the wind complicated the situation by creating dangerous snowdrifts and pillows. The cooling will continue, so the wet snow will freeze and harden even more. Continuous snow cover is found in positions above 1300 to 1500 m above sea level, depending on the orientation.
During the last snowfall period, up to 20 centimeters of new snow fell in the Fatras and Low Tatras, which became wet due to the warming. “It will gradually solidify and freeze as it cools. In several places, the new snow has already completely melted. Avalanche release is possible in the highest locations only on very steep slopes with a large additional load. Rarely, only small spontaneous wet avalanches are possible.” pointed out the SLP, with the fact that overall the height of the snow cover is below average.
