In the high altitudes (above 2000 m above sea level) of the High Tatras there is still a moderate avalanche danger (2nd degree from the 5-part international scale). The danger is mainly posed by the leeward sides of ridges, steep to extremely steep couloirs (slope above 35°), where strong westerly winds have transported large amounts of snow. Snow pillows and slabs are found in these places, the stability of which is difficult to assess. Their loosening is possible, especially under high additional loads (e.g. foot traffic, skier's fall, etc.). Moderate avalanches can also occur.
At lower altitudes the snow cover is stabilised. Avalanche danger increases with altitude.
Snowpack
In the High and Western Tatras, the snow cover ranges from 40 to 80 cm from the middle altitudes.
The snow is very unevenly distributed due to the wind, on the windward sides it is blown down to the base, and on the leeward slopes (mainly eastern orientations) there are snow pillows and slabs of unbound snow.
At altitudes below 2000 m above sea level, the snow cover has stabilised due to alternating temperatures above and below freezing.
Snowfall (up to 10cm) with strong north-westerly winds is expected on the mountains during the following night and day.
Tendency
Slightly rising during Friday with snow and wind.
Danger level
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
Beware of wind-blown snow pillows!
In the Western and Low Tatras and in Mala Fatra there is a low avalanche danger (1st degree of the 5-part international scale). The danger here is posed by the leeward sides of ridges (NE-oriented) with steep to extremely steep slopes (above 35°), where strong winds have transported large amounts of snow. In these places there are snow pillows and slabs whose stability is difficult to estimate. Their loosening is possible with high additional loads (e.g. foot traffic, skier's fall, etc.).
In these mountains, the snow cover is generally well stabilised.
Snowpack
The height of the snow cover in Mala Fatra is around 10 to 30 cm, in the Low Tatras it is up to 70cm of snow, in the Western Tatras 40-80cm. The snow is very unevenly distributed due to the wind. The ridges are blown into the hard ground. In the lower altitudes below 1300 m above sea level there is no continuous snow cover yet.
On the windward sides the snow is blown down to the subsoil, and on the leeward, east-facing slopes there are snow pillows and slabs of unbound snow.
At altitudes below 2000 m above sea level, the snow cover has stabilised due to alternating temperatures above and below freezing.
Snowfall (up to 10cm) with strong north-westerly winds is expected on the mountains during the following night and day.
