The danger is fresh, wind-drifted snow deposited in the form of wind slabs and pillows.
In the high altitudes of the Western and High Tatras (above 1700 m above sea level) there is still an CONSIDERABLE avalanche danger level 3. The recent snowfall accompanied by strong north winds has created dangerous snow slabs and pillows of varying thickness. Their distribution is very local - depending on the relief and the prevailing wind direction. Often under saddles, rock walls and in leeward troughs, where new snow reaches more than 50 cm. Avalanche release on steep slopes is possible with only a small additional load. Occasional spontaneous, medium-sized avalanches are possible.
Snowpack
The weather and snow cover have changed significantly due to the severe cold and snowfall. Winter conditions prevail in the mountains and the air temperature has dropped to -10 to -20 °C. During the last snowfall (Saturday evening-Monday morning), 20 to 40 cm of new snow fell, accompanied by very strong northerly winds of 25 m/s, gusting up to 35 m/s. The older snow cover is frozen to 'stone', and there is new, mainly slab snow of varying thickness - depending on the wind and the topography. In the forest zone, the new snow is loose and powdery, 15-30 cm thick, but it has fallen directly on the terrain without the older snow.
Tendency
Persistent throughout the day.
Danger level
1700m
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
1700m
Watch out for localised, wind-slabs and pillows.
In the highest altitudes of the Low Tatras (above 1700 m above sea level) a MODERATE avalanche danger (2nd degree) was created due to snowfall and strong wind. Unstable wind slabs and snow pillows occur locally - especially under saddles, rock walls, in moguls and steep gullies.
Snowpack
The weather and snow cover have changed significantly due to the severe cold and snowfall. Winter conditions prevail in the mountains and the air temperature has dropped to -8 to -14 °C. During the last snowfall (Saturday evening-Monday morning), 5 to 15 cm of new snow fell, accompanied by very strong northerly winds of 25 m/s, gusting up to 35 m/s. The older snow cover is frozen to 'stone', and there is new, mainly slab snow of varying thickness - depending on the wind and the topography.
Tendency
Persistent
Danger level
1700m
Avalanche Problem
Wind slab
1700m
Generally favourable situation
In the eastern part of the Low Tatras there is only a small avalanche danger, 1st degree. Avalanche release is possible only in exceptional cases on isolated, very steep areas with a larger additional load.
Snowpack
Snow cover is low, only patchy or up to 5 cm thick up to 1600 m above sea level. At the highest altitudes, under the new wind-drifted snow, there is older frozen snow up to 50 cm thick.