Be prepared, even for avalanches!

Due to freshly fallen snow, there is a high risk of avalanches in most of our mountains. To enjoy the pleasures of the mountain world, it is necessary to know some basic rules of conduct during times of avalanche danger, as well as when it is better to move the goal to lower areas.



In the high mountains, there is a thick snow cover that has been heavily reshaped by strong winds. Wind-exposed areas are heavily wind-packed and sometimes icy, while on leeward slopes there are numerous slabs that have also slid. As stated on the website of the Environment Agency of the Republic of Slovenia, the risk of avalanche release will be HIGH, 4th degree, above about 1500 m today afternoon and tomorrow due to the large amount of new snow, and MODERATE, 3rd degree, lower down. The new snow will bond poorly to the base in many places, and at the same time, slab avalanches will spontaneously release due to overloading of the old snow cover; new slabs will form on northern and north-western slopes. Steep slopes, gullies, and steeper grassy slopes will be particularly dangerous, where ground avalanches are also possible. New snow will cover old slabs, making the danger hard to recognize. Due to cold weather, the snow cover will transform and stabilize only slowly. We advise against visiting the mountains in the coming days.



"Given the trend of the snow cover and its transformation, we advise you to choose lower areas and completely avoid areas with considerable (3rd degree) avalanche danger. For inexperienced individuals, we fully advise avoiding even areas with moderate avalanche risk. All those heading to the mountains, make sure you have the obligatory avalanche transceiver with you, do not go into gullies and slopes where there is high risk of avalanche. Do not expose children to dangers. The snow cover will remain unstable for a few days after snowfall," advises PZS expert collaborator and mountain rescuer Matjaž Šerkezi.



Complete winter gear and knowledge of use



Even when conditions are more favorable for visiting the mountains, do not forget complete winter gear - avalanche transceiver, ice axe, crampons, and helmet. Of course, we must know how to use all the equipment. For frequent winter mountain visitors and enthusiastic ski tourers, we recommend using an airbag backpack, a device we hope we never have to use.



Video: Safer in the mountains in winter/ avalanche transceiver



Video: Safer in the mountains in winter/ avalanche probe



Video: Safer in the mountains in winter/ avalanche shovel



Video: Safer in the mountains in winter/ searching for the buried in an avalanche



Video: Safer in the mountains in winter/ using an avalanche backpack



Video: Safer in the mountains in winter / using crampons and ice axe



In the Alpine Association of Slovenia, we are aware that many hikers will head to the mountains and hills in the coming days, which is good for their better psychophysical well-being. So let's make good use of the holiday season, but behave responsibly, both in terms of safety in the mountains and safety measures to contain the coronavirus. Also ensure dispersed visiting of the mountains, where possible, to prevent crowds in individual areas.