Západné Tatry

Watch for a persistant weak layer in the north and wet snow in the south.

Watch for a persistant weak layer in the north and wet snow in the south.

In the High, West and Low Tatras above the forest line a moderate avalanche danger (2nd degree) is declared. In general, the snow from the last snowfall period (Thursday-Saturday) has melted and a layer of crust or firn has formed on its surface on the southern exposures due to temperature changes. On the S facing slopes it is still possible to find places with dry untreated snow lying on a layer of ice or old hardened snow, between which there is a dangerous layer of square-grained snow. During Wendsday, the weather in the mountains of Slovakia will be influenced by a pressure high, which will bring clear weather. On S-facing exposures, the snow cover will be progressively sun-soaked during the day. Avalanches are expected to be released mainly on steep to very steep terrain, especially with large additional loads. Stability is very difficult to assess on S slopes, but the places with visibly blown more snow are the most dangerous; on S slopes, the soaked snow layer should be noticed. During the day, spontaneous avalanches and avalanches of wet snow can also occur on the S slopes. Only small or medium avalanches are to be expected, but the problem is the transport and accumulation zone of the deposits, where, due to the low snow cover, there is often rock debris or exposed rock blocks.

The snow cover is still below average, with continuous snow cover above 1500 m above sea level. During the last snowfall period, up to 30 cm of new snow fell, which gradually settled and turned into crust or firn on the S exposures. It retains its powdery character on the S-facing slopes of the highest exposures. Snow cover is expected to melt during the day on the S exposures.

Weakly rising as the snowpack gets wetter. Declining towards evening, generally persistent. bl