On the same day, authorities raised the avalanche risk in the nearby Karkonosze mountains, along the Polish-Czech border, due to heavy snowfall, strong winds, and hazardous conditions on steep, exposed slopes.
Snow and ice shut Poland-Czech border for heavy trucks
The crossing connects Jakuszyce in Poland with Harrachov in the Czech Republic.
The restriction, in place since 31 December 2025, affects heavy trucks due to severe snow and ice in the mountainous area of the Sudetes.
Czech authorities have extended the ban until Sunday, 4 January 2026, at 6:00 p.m., citing continued hazardous weather conditions.
The Lower Silesia branch of the General Directorate for National Roads and Motorways (GDDKiA) recommended that truck drivers take an alternative route via Hrádek nad Nisou on Czech Road I/35 and then re-enter Poland on National Road 8 through Kudowa–Słone.
Avalanche warning issued in Poland’s Karkonosze mountains
On Friday, 2 January 2026, authorities raised the avalanche risk in the Karkonosze mountains, located in southwestern Poland along the Czech border, to the lowest level.
Steep, exposed slopes, snow drifts, and glacial cirques are considered particularly hazardous. Around 20 cm (8 inches) of fresh snow has fallen, with more expected, and strong winds of up to 80 km/h (50 mph) are forecast.
Several trails have been closed by Karkonosze National Park, including routes leading through the area below Poland’s highest peak, Śnieżka, due to snowdrifts, hidden rocks, icy patches, and limited visibility.
Trails currently closed to hikers are marked in red. Photo courtesy of Karkonoski National Park.
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Source: IAR/GDDKiA/X/@WojewodzkiUrzad/@Karkonoski_PN