Stay updated on the latest avalanche warning in the Tatra Mountains. Learn about current conditions, safety advice, and essential winter gear for hiking above 1,800 meters.
For the first time this season, the Tatra Volunteer Search and Rescue (TOPR) has announced a Level 1 avalanche warning. This lowest level of avalanche risk applies to areas above 1,800 meters above sea level. While the snow cover is generally stable, small to medium-sized avalanches could occur spontaneously, especially in areas with high wind accumulation.
“Snow cover is mostly well-bonded and stable. Avalanches are unlikely but could be triggered by significant additional loads in isolated areas, particularly on very steep or extreme slopes,” TOPR stated in their latest bulletin.
Currently, there are several centimeters of snow on Kasprowy Wierch, with temperatures on the peaks dropping to around -10°C. Recent snowfall combined with strong winds has resulted in snow accumulation in gullies, concave formations, and beneath rocky walls, which are considered dangerous, particularly on grassy slopes where the snow is weakly bonded to the ground.
Tourists are advised to exercise caution as conditions in the Tatra Mountains are challenging. Many trails are slippery, with fresh snow and ice present, including the popular path to Morskie Oko. Proper winter equipment—crampons, ice axes, helmets, and avalanche safety gear (detector, probe, and shovel)—is essential for safety in higher altitudes.
The avalanche risk is rated on a five-level international scale, with Level 1 being minimal and Level 5 indicating extreme danger, such as those seen in alpine regions.