Beware of wind-blown slabs and pillows of new snow that are deposited on hard ground. These layers are poorly bonded to each other.
In the Tatras (Low, High, West) there is a moderate avalanche danger (2nd degree) above the forest zone. Overnight snowfall, which will continue during the day, will bring a total of 10 to 20 cm of new snow. The main avalanche problem is wind-blown snow. All orientations are dangerous. Watch out for narrow couloirs, leeward sides of ridges and places under rock walls. Here there may be wind-beaten slabs and pillows that are deposited on hard ground. The two layers are weakly interconnected. Small to medium avalanches are expected and pose a risk, especially in combination with terrain traps.
Snowpack
Friday's cold snap stabilized the soggy snowpack from the previous days. However, up to 20 cm of new snow will gradually fall on such a hard surface. The snowfall will be accompanied by strong winds, so the snow will be mostly packed down into slabs and pillows of varying hardness. Where wind stability is less, the snow will be loose, powdery. Peaks and ridges are blown into hard ground. On average there is between 20 and 60 cm of snow in our mountains. A continuous snow cover is mostly found above the forest belt.
Tendency
With snow and wind rising.
PB.
Danger level
treeline
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
Treeline
New snow
Beware of wind-blown slabs and pillows of new snow that are deposited on hard ground. These layers are poorly bonded to each other.
In the Fatras (Malá, Veľká) there is a low avalanche danger (1st degree) above the forest zone. Overnight snowfall, which will continue during the day, will bring a total of 5 to 10 cm of new snow. The wind has varied over the last few days, therefore snow slabs may be blown on almost all slopes, except on ridges and backs, from where the snow is blown. The danger is concentrated on slopes with a high gradient and in places where old hard snow was present, especially in gullies and moguls. Due to the overall very low snow cover, only small avalanches and avalanches are a risk, especially in combination with terrain traps.
Snowpack
The snow cover was wet and soft due to the extremely warm weather. As the weather cools and the snow falls, its character will change significantly. Up to 20 cm of new snow will gradually be added to the wet base. Snowfall will be accompanied by very strong winds, so the snow will be mostly packed down into slabs and pillows of varying hardness. On average, the Fatra mountains will receive between 20 and 30 cm of snow. A continuous snow cover is mostly found above the forest belt
