The avalanche situation was complicated by the wind, which created dangerous snow slabs and pillows. A moderate avalanche danger is declared in the High and Western Tatras on Friday in positions above 2000 meters above sea levelthe second degree from the five-part international scale. In the Fatras and Low Tatras, only a small avalanche danger is declared above the forest zone. The Avalanche Prevention Center of the Mountain Rescue Service (SLP HZS) informed about it.
- In strong winds, dangerous snow slabs and pillows have formed.
- In the High and Western Tatras, there is a moderate avalanche danger of the second degree.
- In the Fatras and Low Tatras there is little danger above the forest.
- The release of an avalanche threatens especially on steep slopes with heavy loads.
- Snow cover is below average and avalanches are mostly small and rare.
The avalanche problem is windblown snow from the last snowfall. More than 30 centimeters fell last week, mainly on the northern side of the Tatras. “Avalanche release is possible on steep slopes, especially with a large additional load. On the southern slopes, after warm weather and subsequent cooling, the situation is stable. The cooling will continue, so the wet snow will freeze and solidify even more,” pointed out SLP. Continuous snow cover is found in positions above 1300 to 1500 meters above sea level, depending on the orientation.
In the Fatras and Low Tatras, up to 20 centimeters of new snow fell during the last snowfall period, which became wet due to the warming. As it cools, it will harden and freeze. In several places, the new snow has already completely melted. “Avalanche release in the highest locations is possible only on very steep slopes with a large additional load. Rarely, only small spontaneous wet avalanches are possible to slide,” added the center, saying that overall the height of the snow cover is below average.
