Watch out for wet avalanches on sunny slopes, in the afternoon !
In the High, Low and West Mountains, an increased avalanche danger, level 3, has been declared. The main avalanche problem is avalanches from wet snow on sunny slopes. Warming temperatures are expected and positive temperatures are also expected at the highest altitudes of the Tatras. On sunny slopes the snow will get wet and lose cohesion. Spontaneous avalanches may occur, especially in the afternoon. The second avalanche problem is wind-blown snow from the last snowfall. More than 30 cm fell, especially on the northern side of the Tatras. The situation has been complicated by the wind, which has created dangerous snow slabs and pillows. Avalanche release is possible on steep slopes, especially with high additional loads.
Snowpack
More than 30 cm of new snow has been added in the last snowfall period. This has different hardnesses depending on whether it has fallen during windless or windy conditions. The critical layer is precisely the interface between the wind-beaten snow and the older felted snow or the hard base of the old hard snow. Layers of unstable square-grained snow are also present in places in the profile beneath the new snow. On sunny slopes the snow becomes waterlogged with tracks its cohesion. Coherent snow cover is found at elevations above 1200 - 1500 m above sea level depending on orientation.
Tendency
with warming rising
Danger level
1300m
Avalanche Problem
Wet snow
1300m
Watch out for wet snow!
In the Fatra Mountains, a low avalanche danger (level 1) is declared above the forest zone. Up to 20 cm of new snow has fallen during the last snowfall period, which has become wet due to warming. In several places the new snow has already melted completely. Avalanche release is only possible at the highest altitudes of the Fatra Mountains on very steep slopes with higher additional loads. Occasionally, only small spontaneous wet 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.
