On the northern slopes of the Low Tatras beware of unstable wind-blown snow slabs.
Increased avalanche danger is bound to higher positions of the Low Tatras. Unstable snow slabs and pillows blown by the south wind are located on the north facing slopes of the Low Tatras. Dangerous places are located at higher altitudes just below the ridge. Avalanche release is possible with only a small additional load. Occasionally, medium-sized spontaneous avalanches may occur.
Snowpack
Dry wind-blown snow in the form of slabs and pillows can be found only at the highest altitudes of the Tatras. The snow is very unevenly distributed, some places are blown down to the hard, icy, old snow base. On others, on the contrary, a larger amount of snow is blown by the wind. The wind-blown snow is deposited on a hard base
Tendency
Persistent
Danger level
1600m
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
1600m
Avalanche danger is concentrated in the highest altitudes of the Tatras, where less stable snow slabs and pillows are formed by wind. Dangerous places are located on leeward slopes, troughs and moguls, mostly with southern, eastern or northern orientation. Medium-sized avalanches may be released after a large additional snowfall. Caution is required in places where old packed snow alternates with wind-blown snow deposits in the form of slabs and pillows.
Snowpack
Dry wind-blown snow in the form of slabs and pillows can be found only at the highest altitudes of the Tatras. The snow is very unevenly distributed, some places are blown down to the hard, icy old snow base. On others, on the contrary, a larger amount of snow is blown by the wind.
Tendency
Persistent
Danger level
There is a small avalanche danger in the Fatras.
During the day, the zero isotherm will rise above 1500 m a.s.l. The inflow of warm air will cause soaking and a decrease in snow stability, especially in the middle altitudes (up to 1700 m a.s.l.). Snow will be wetted throughout the profile due to warming. The avalanche danger is concentrated in the highest altitudes of the Fatra Mountains, where there is still enough snow for the formation of wet avalanches. Smaller spontaneous avalanches and avalanches from wet snow are expected, as well as medium-sized wet avalanches. Spontaneous foundation avalanches are possible on grassy slopes.
Snowpack
Rain up to 1600 m above sea level will reduce the stability of the snow cover. Snow will soften, mush and lose its cohesion at lower and middle elevations. In the afternoon the snow will be soaked throughout the profile.
