Dangerous conditions in mountains and forests
5.02.2014
Dear,
in view of the recent extraordinary weather conditions, the Alpine Association of Slovenia warns all mountain visitors not to use or stay on hiking trails running through forests. In the mountains, there is still a very high risk of snow avalanches, so we advise against visiting the mountains until further notice.
The extraordinary weather conditions over the past days have caused glaze ice and a large amount of fallen timber in forests and other areas. Numerous hiking trails running through forests are impassable due to fallen trees or wedged branches and trunks at risk of collapsing.
Once conditions calm down, PZS path markers will inspect the hiking trails, and we will begin informing the public via the PZS web portal, www.pzs.si, about the status of specific trails, closures, repairs, and arrangements.
Due to the objective danger to hikers, walkers, and all other visitors to the mountains and nature, we advise against walking on hiking trails in forests and areas affected by glaze ice until further notice.
Due to the very high risk of snow avalanches, i.e., the 5th or highest level on the European avalanche danger scale prevailing in the mountains, we also advise against visiting the mountains, as such conditions may lead to numerous medium-sized and many large spontaneously released avalanches, including those on moderate slopes.
Movement in the natural environment these days should be limited to flatter and lower-lying areas sufficiently distant from established avalanche paths and outside forests and glaze ice-affected areas.
Safe step.
Alpine Association of Slovenia
We also advise all mountain visitors: before your trip (not just one or two days ahead, but several days ahead), monitor the weather forecast for the mountains you plan to visit, heed data and all warnings on snowpack height, mountain snow conditions, and avalanche danger level >>> ARSO. Choose trails suited to your psychophysical abilities and adapt to the weakest participant on the trip. Carry appropriate hiking gear and learn to use it. Account for short daylight when planning. Check mountain hut openings (most high- and mid-mountain huts are closed in winter). Never go into the mountains alone in winter. Start early enough and inform family about your routes and plans.