Veľká Fatra

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

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

In the Fatras (Malá, Veľká) there is a low avalanche danger (1st degree) above the forest zone. Overnight snowfall, which will continue during the day, will bring a total of 5 to 10 cm of new snow. The wind has varied over the last few days, therefore snow slabs may be blown on almost all slopes, except on ridges and backs, from where the snow is blown. Initially it will rain and the snowline will gradually decrease, this will allow good binding with the base of the old snow. Due to the low altitude of these mountains, most of the precipitation will be in the form of rain. The danger is concentrated on slopes with a high gradient and in places where old hard snow has accumulated, especially in gullies and moguls. Due to the overall very low snow cover, only small avalanches and avalanches are threatened sporadically.

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, the Fatra mountains will receive between 20 and 30 cm of snow. A continuous snow cover is mostly found above the forest belt

Slightly rising with snowfall. PK