Beware of snow slabs from new snow in steep terrain!
In the High, Low and West Mountains there is an CONSIDERABLE avalanche danger, level 3. The main avalanche problem is new snow, which has fallen more than 30 cm, most of it on the northern side of the Tatras. Light snowfall will continue. The situation has been complicated by the wind, which has created dangerous snow slabs and pillows. Avalanches are possible on steep slopes with only a small additional load. Spontaneous avalanches may also occur from new snow in steep terrain and in rock walls.
Snowpack
More than 30 cm of new snow has been added. This has different hardnesses depending on whether it fell during windless or windy conditions. It was the wind that played a big role and created slabs of different hardness on the surface of the snow. The critical layer is just the interface between the wind-beaten snow and the older felted snow that fell without the influence of the wind. Below the new snow there are also layers of unstable faceted snow in places in the profile. A continuous snow cover is found at altitudes above 1200-1500 m above sea level, depending on orientation.
Tendency
no change
Danger level
treeline
Avalanche Problem
New snow
Treeline
Wind slab
Treeline
Watch out for new snow!
In the Fatras, a moderate avalanche danger (2nd degree) is declared above the forest zone. Up to 20 cm of new snow has fallen. Avalanche release is possible in the highest altitudes of the Fatras only on very steep slopes with higher additional loads. Occasionally, smaller spontaneous avalanches are possible.
Snowpack
About 20 cm of new snow was added. In places on older firn snow, in places on grassy ground. Overall, the snow cover is below average.
