Západné Tatry

Beware of locally rolled snow slabs and cushions stored on hard ground

Beware of locally rolled snow slabs and cushions stored on hard ground

There is a moderate avalanche danger at altitudes above 1800 m above sea level. The main avalanche problem is wind-blown snow. Dangerous are leeward sides of ridges, places under rock walls and narrow couloirs. Especially in these places there are locally inflated slabs and pillows, which are deposited on very hard ground. Their loosening is possible with high additional loads on very steep slopes. Avalanches from wet snow will also be threatened in the afternoon due to the significant warming. The combination of slabs of packed snow that melt is very treacherous. Avalanche danger needs to be assessed locally in all orientations. Small and medium sized slab avalanches are a threat and can be released on very steep slopes, especially by large additional loads. Small spontaneous avalanches can be expected on extremely steep slopes.

During the last snowfall, up to 15 cm of new snow fell in the highest altitudes of the Tatra Mountains, which is very unevenly deposited by the wind on the hard older ground. There are hard slabs and cushions in gullies and moguls. As a result of strong southerly winds, the air temperature rises above 0°C even at the highest altitudes of the Tatras. Softening of the new snow cover can be expected on slopes of all orientations.

At lower and middle altitudes, the snow cover is already patchy.

Enduring. Compiled by.