Weather in the mountains. Still dangerous in the Tatras. Avalanche “two”, a series of weekend accidents

Last weekend, the rescuers of the Tatra Volunteer Rescue Service had their hands full, as there were a series of tourist and skiing accidents. Nine victims needed help. In Kozie Czuby, in the area of ​​Orla Perć, a tourist required evacuation by helicopter, who, despite having appropriate winter equipment, could not cope with the hardships of the expedition and got stuck in difficult terrain. In turn, in the area of ​​Dziurawa Przełęcz, two tourists got stuck Zakopane were evacuated by helicopter.

There are still many skiing tourists in the peak parts. A ski tourer who broke his leg in the Miedziany massif also needed help. A helicopter was also involved in the rescue operation. Interventions were also made in the case of a mountaineer who was climbing in the area of ​​Hala Gąsienicowa.

“In the higher parts Tatras there is a lot of snow, which is very hard after the night frosts. Walking skills in crampons and with an ice ax in such conditions should be at a high level. In the afternoon, especially on sunny slopes, the snow gets wet and disappears, and the avalanche risk increases. Please take this into account when planning trips to the higher parts of the Tatra Mountains.

Above 1,800 meters above sea level, the second level of avalanche danger applies. There is 160 centimeters of snow on Kasprowy Wierch, and the temperature at the top on Monday morning was -7 degrees Celsius. At Hala Gąsienicowa, the cover reaches 60 cm. According to TOPR rescuers, the forecast warming will worsen the avalanche situation.

“From the early morning hours, the snow cover should be expected to become wet over the entire altitude profile. This effect will be intensified by the forecast rainfall. Automatic ground avalanches are possible, especially on grassy slopes” – we read in the release.