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Rescuers warn of avalanche risk in Polish mountains

02.02.2023 11:30
Rescuers have issued avalanche and weather warnings for Poland’s southern Tatra mountains.
A Tatra Volunteer Rescue Service helicopter in the air.
A Tatra Volunteer Rescue Service helicopter in the air.Photo: PAP/Grzegorz Momot

The Tatra Volunteer Rescue Service (TOPR) and the Tatra National Park on Thursday warned hikers that trails in the mountain range were covered with a thick layer of fresh snow, with deep drifts forming in places.

The avalanche risk level was defined as considerable amid continuing snowfall.

“The snowpack is moderately to poorly bonded on many steep slopes," the Tatra Volunteer Rescue Service said in statement.

It added that "in certain situations some large, and in isolated cases very large natural avalanches are possible."

Any "activity in the mountains requires extensive experience and skill, as well as a significant ability to adequately assess avalanche danger locally," rescuers also said.

The snow cover on the Tatra's Kasprowy Wierch peak has exceeded 120 centimetres, news outlets reported.

Many Poles have headed to the mountains for the winter school break, encouraged by improving skiing conditions, according to broadcaster TVP Info.

Meanwhile, two Polish skiers were killed by an avalanche in India on Wednesday, Poland’s PAP news agency reported.

(gs)

Source: IAR, PAPtopr.pl, TVP Info