Veľká Fatra

Beware of wind-blown slabs and pillows of new snow that are deposited on hard ground.

Beware of wind-blown slabs and pillows of new snow that are deposited on hard ground.

In Mala, Veľká Fatra and Low Tatras there is a low avalanche danger (1st level) above the treeline.The main avalanche problem is the new snow, which has been added in the last few days about 5 - 15 cm in total. Especially the leeward sides of ridges, narrow couloirs and places under rock walls are dangerous. Here, there may be occasional wind-blown slabs and pillows of different hardness, which are laid on a hard base, the two layers being poorly interconnected. These places in the terrain are relatively easy to spot. The second avalanche problem is a persistent weak layer. Shady orientations and the northern slopes of our mountain ranges are therefore particularly dangerous. Only small avalanches in isolated locations are at risk, which, once released, pose a risk especially in combination with terrain traps (protruding rocks, terrain depressions or rock precipices). We expect new snow, wind and warming afternoons, that will worsen the situation.

Between 5 and 15 cm of new snow has been added in recent days. The snow is very unevenly distributed due to strong winds. Locally up to 30 cm of snow may be blown. Windward sides and ridge tops are blown into hard ground, sometimes even into rocks and grass. On the leeward sides the snow is deposited in slabs and pillows. Loose, powdery snow is found where the wind intensity is less. On average there is between 15 and 30 cm of snow on the ground. A continuous snow cover is mostly found above treeline.

With snow, wind and warming temperatures rising. PK