Západné Tatry

Watch out for wind-blown slabs and pillows of new snow

Watch out for wind-blown slabs and pillows of new snow

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 wind has varied over the last few days so there may be blown snow slabs on almost all slopes, except on ridges and backs, where the snow is blown off. Initially it will rain and the snowline will gradually decrease, this will allow good binding with the base of the old snow. The danger is concentrated on slopes with a steep gradient and where old hard snow has accumulated, especially in gullies and moguls.

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, there is between 20 and 50 cm of snow in our mountains. A continuous snow cover is mostly found above the treeline.

With snowfall rising.