In the Western Tatras and in the west of the Low and High Tatras there is an CONSIDERABLE avalanche danger (level 3 ). Due to the westerly winds, most of the new snow has been added in these parts of our mountains. In the last 3 days up to 50 cm of new snow. The altitude snow precipitation varied but above 1600 m above sea level the temperatures were still below 0°C. Strong north-westerly winds persist. The main problems are therefore new snow and wind blown snow. The steep slopes of the highest altitudes are dangerous, where the wind has created snow slabs and pillows and created cornices. Due to bad weather, wind, fog and snowfall, we do not recommend long and difficult hikes on the ridges. Below 1500 m there was falling wet snow, that is well bonded to old surface.
Snowpack
Above 1600 m above sea level, the snow surface is dry and wind-blown into slabs. Below this layer there is a soft layer of faceted-rounded snow.This configuration of layers is dangerous from the point of view of avalanches. Beneath these layers is very hard and icy snow that has formed since the Christmas thaw.
Tendency
With strong winds and snow increasing.
Compiled by : Pavel Krajčí
Danger level
1300m
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
1300m
Wet snow
1300m
Watch out for new snow and wind-blown hard slabs of new snow.
There is a moderate avalanche danger in the Fatras and in the eastern Tatras, i.e. level 2 above 1500 m a.s.l. Up to 20 cm of new snow has been added to the hard old snow cover in the last 3 days. Strong north-westerly winds persist. The main problems are therefore new snow and wind-blown snow. The steep troughs of the highest altitudes are dangerous, where the wind has deposited smaller snow slabs and pillows during the day and created overhangs. Due to bad weather, wind, fog and snowfall we do not recommend long and difficult hikes on the ridges. Below 1500 m there was falling wet snow, that is well bonded to old surface.
Snowpack
The old snow cover in all mountain ranges has hardened and hardened due to temperature changes. A thick layer of ice has formed on its surface. Up to 20 cm of new snow has been added, which will be very unevenly distributed due to the wind. The large difference in hardness between the old snow cover and the new snow has caused instability in the snow profile. There are several crusts deeper in the profile, but these do not affect the avalanche situation.
