Heavy snowfall accompanied by strong gales have prompted Poland’s mountain rescue service to raise the avalanche risk in the southern Tatra Mountains to level three out of five.
Nearly 80 cm of snow has accumulated on Kasprowy Wierch, a peak in the Western Tatras and one of Poland’s most popular tourist destinations, with temperatures plunging to -14°C, as winter made a sudden return to the mountains.
The Tatra Volunteer Search and Rescue (TOPR) said in a statement: “Due to higher-than-forecasted snowfall, the level has been raised to three.
“The snowfalls are accompanied by very strong winds, making the conditions extremely unfavorable.”
The level three warning applies to summits 1,700 meters above sea level and indicates that the snow cover on steep slopes is poorly bonded, making avalanches possible with minimal additional load applied.
With most trails untracked and limited visibility due to heavy cloud cover and fog, rescuers urge caution for those venturing into the higher parts of the Tatras.
The situation is further complicated by worsening road conditions in Zakopane, often dubbed the “capital of Polish mountains” due to its popularity amongst tourists, where 10 cm of fresh snow has fallen overnight, making roads slippery and slushy.
Forecasts predict continued snowfall in the mountains and freezing temperatures, with no improvement expected until later in the week.
The Tatra Volunteer Search and Rescue (TOPR) said in a statement: “Due to higher-than-forecasted snowfall, the level has been raised to three.
“The snowfalls are accompanied by very strong winds, making the conditions extremely unfavorable.”
The level three warning applies to summits 1,700 meters above sea level and indicates that the snow cover on steep slopes is poorly bonded, making avalanches possible with minimal additional load applied.
With most trails untracked and limited visibility due to heavy cloud cover and fog, rescuers urge caution for those venturing into the higher parts of the Tatras.
The situation is further complicated by worsening road conditions in Zakopane, often dubbed the “capital of Polish mountains” due to its popularity amongst tourists, where 10 cm of fresh snow has fallen overnight, making roads slippery and slushy.
Forecasts predict continued snowfall in the mountains and freezing temperatures, with no improvement expected until later in the week.
More In Society MORE...
