There is an avalanche threat again in the Tatra Mountains. Snow has been falling heavily on the peaks since Friday, and strong winds have created dangerous snow deposits. Mountain rescuers appeal to tourists to be careful.
The first degree avalanche danger has been present since Saturday from an altitude of 1,700 meters above sea level. There was 30 centimeters of snow on Kasprowy Wierch that morning. As rescuers from the Tatra Volunteer Emergency Service wrote in a statement, snowfall combined with strong winds resulted in large snow deposits in terrain depressions and ridge areas. The snow is still weakly attached to the ground.
By going to higher parts Tatra Mountains you must have winter equipment: crampons, an ice ax and a helmet, as well as an avalanche set, i.e. a detector, a probe and a shovel.
In the current season, TOPR rescuers announced the avalanche threat for the first time on November 21, but after four days the weather warmed up in the Tatra Mountains and the snow melted. The coming days in the Tatra Mountains are expected to be sunny but frosty, with temperatures down to -10 degrees Celsius. Snowfall is expected again from Wednesday.
Avalanche danger is defined on an international five-level scale. Level one means the threat is low. The second degree is a moderate threat. The third degree – significant, and the fourth – large. The fifth, highest level of avalanche danger may occur, for example, in the Alps, in areas where settlements or roads are at risk, and an avalanche can cause catastrophic damage reaching the bottom of the valleys.
Adam Ziemienowicz/PAP
Main photo source: PAP/Grzegorz Momot