The Tatra Volunteer Rescue Service (TOPR) cautioned hikers on Saturday that fresh snow had blanketed mountain trails, making them potentially hazardous and requiring appropriate winter gear.
It said in a statement that "the snowpack is only moderately well bonded on some steep slopes," adding that "activity in the mountains requires the ability to adequately assess local avalanche danger, appropriate selection of itineraries, and adherence to basic avalanche safety principles."
The avalanche risk level was classified as moderate.
The snow cover on the Tatra's Kasprowy Wierch peak has exceeded 45 centimetres, including 11 cm of fresh snow, public broadcaster Polish Radio’s IAR news agency reported.
Many Poles have headed to the mountains for the New Year's break, encouraged by improving skiing conditions, according to broadcaster TVP Info.
(gs)
Source: IAR, PAP, topr.pl