Watch out for wind-blown slabs and pillows of new snow
In the Western and High Tatras there is a moderate avalanche danger (2nd degree) above the treeline. Snowfall coming from the northwest brought 10 to 20 cm, locally 30 cm of new snow. Especially steep, narrow couloirs and places under rock walls are dangerous. Most of the snow is loose (powdery), but in some places there are also compacted slabs and pillows of varying hardness on hard ground, the two layers being poorly bonded due to the low temperatures below -10°C. The danger is concentrated where old hard snow has been deposited. The second avalanche problem is the permanently weak layer. Shady orientations and the northern slopes of our mountain ranges are therefore particularly dangerous. In the afternoon, we expect a front to arrive, combined with strong winds and snow, which will worsen the situation.
Snowpack
Between 10 and 30 cm of powder snow has been added in recent days. The snow is very unevenly distributed due to strong winds. The ridges are blown onto hard ground. There are a few ice crusts in the snowpack, with faceted snow underneath. The crusts are not strong enough, so they break through when moving on foot. Movement off the beaten track is difficult. On average there is between 20 and 50 cm of snow in our mountains. The continuous snow cover is mostly above the forest belt.
Tendency
With snow, wind and warming temperatures rising.
Danger level
treeline
Avalanche Problem
New snow
Treeline
Persistent weak layer
Treeline
Beware of wind-blown slabs and pillows of new snow that are deposited on hard ground.
In Mala, Veľká Fatra and Low Tatras there is a low avalanche danger (1st level) above the treeline.The main avalanche problem is the new snow, which has been added in the last few days about 5 - 15 cm in total. Especially the leeward sides of ridges, narrow couloirs and places under rock walls are dangerous. Here, there may be occasional wind-blown slabs and pillows of different hardness, which are laid on a hard base, the two layers being poorly interconnected. These places in the terrain are relatively easy to spot. The second avalanche problem is a persistent weak layer. Shady orientations and the northern slopes of our mountain ranges are therefore particularly dangerous. Only small avalanches in isolated locations are at risk, which, once released, pose a risk especially in combination with terrain traps (protruding rocks, terrain depressions or rock precipices). We expect new snow, wind and warming afternoons, that will worsen the situation.
Snowpack
Between 5 and 15 cm of new snow has been added in recent days. The snow is very unevenly distributed due to strong winds. Locally up to 30 cm of snow may be blown. Windward sides and ridge tops are blown into hard ground, sometimes even into rocks and grass. On the leeward sides the snow is deposited in slabs and pillows. Loose, powdery snow is found where the wind intensity is less. On average there is between 15 and 30 cm of snow on the ground. A continuous snow cover is mostly found above treeline.
Tendency
With snow, wind and warming temperatures rising.
PK
