Západné Tatry

Beware of wind-blown snow pillows!

In the high altitudes (above 1900 m above sea level) of the High and Western Tatras there is still a moderate avalanche danger (2nd degree from the 5-part international scale). The danger is mainly posed by the leeward sides of ridges, steep to extremely steep couloirs (above 35°), where strong winds of recent days have transported large amounts of snow. Snow pillows and slabs are found in these places, the stability of which is difficult to assess. Their loosening is possible, especially under high additional loads (e.g. foot traffic, skier's fall, etc.). Moderate avalanches can also occur. At lower altitudes, the snow cover has stabilised due to the warming on Wednesday and the subsequent cooling. Avalanche danger increases with altitude.

In the High and Western Tatras, the snow cover ranges from 40 to 80 cm from the middle altitudes. The snow is very unevenly distributed due to the wind, on the windward sides it is blown down to the base, and on the leeward slopes (mainly eastern orientations) there are snow pillows and slabs of unbound snow. At altitudes below 1800 m above sea level, the snow surface turns hard, icy due to a brief warming and subsequent cooling.

It persisted through Tuesday, and conditions are expected to cool and freeze and stabilize by Wednesday.