Slovakia: Safely to the Mountains IV. - Western and Low Tatra

And so there are lurking bit different dangers than those which we have described in connection with the High Tatra.

First, we focus on the winter season. the coldest places in the Western Tatra peaks are sharp and Roháče. in the Low Tatra are the highest parts Ďumbier and Chopok. Typically, daytime temperatures hover around -10 ° C. the deterioration of the weather as rain causes warming. on the mountains, however, always during the winter we have to watch out for frostbite. If we feel tingling limbs, try to accelerate blood circulation and a simple example, clapping or jumping. Short-term solution for intensive hands warm is to put them in the crotch pants. If the rain will catch us, that we not only complicates the orientation in the field, but also significantly changes the stability of the snow cover is very important not to rely only on such pole signs, which has a very good tool, but only until one of the rods are not missing, rather stop hike and go the next chat or meet in the valley. of course, in the case of a group tourism is to maintain acoustic contact. in case of total loss of orientation is necessary to descend down the slopes and stick to the bottom of the valley, or stream erosion furrows, or if they are visible. Principles of safety during snowfall are similar to the principles of safety in the fog. the feeling of cold is more intensive due to wind, the more so if it goes wrong in the gale. When there is the possibility of accelerated descent from the last forces are trying to dig burrows or at least half of it. If for some really serious reason for deciding descent, the rest are trying to seek shelter in place, because the wind for us and the rest drains power.

Meltdown in the Western and Low Tatra is due to avalanches extremely strong and dangerous. Conversely, the risk of spring snow falls is relatively small, due to the relatively less steep slopes. Underlying avalanches occur when soaked whole layer of snow to the grassy ground, with subsequent loss of stability throughout the snow. a sign of this instability are few meters longitudinal cracks. in the morning frost is crossing over such a surface is relatively safe, but at noon the influence of solar radiation becomes extremely dangerous. the fall of this type of avalanche is usually fatal, so the warming we should enter the firn´s slopes on the surface to create longitudinal cracks. the overall problem avalanches are extremely complex. One of the basic preventive measures is to determine the current data on avalanche danger before the planned hike right at the Mountain Rescue Service. a characteristic feature of avalanches in the Low Tatra and the West is their relatively large size. These avalanches are falling down into the valley and often moving in opposite slopes, even in the forest zone.

Recently we were witnessed the collapse of a huge landslide in the valley Žiarské that damaged not only chat, but broke with him hundreds of trees and forest stands. Due to this fury of nature, we should not underestimate the fundamental principle of anti avalanche equipment and not to enter into the mountains already in 4 degree of avalanche danger. If you nevertheless choose to take risks, never enter the plate in the middle of a snow slope or gutter, cornice, or the snow pillow under saddle. the preferred comb dispensed. If you can reach us at dusk and descent is not possible, thoroughly prepare for overnight staying. we will build a bivouac, whether in the form of a tent or burial, and wear everything that we took with us. If we had the foresight to bring my flashlight, trying to save her, because freezing the battery discharged twice as fast. However, if you find yourself in this situation, we should definitely before nightfall, contact the ski patrol, and describe it as fully as possible our position.

Beauty of winter our mountains use to be wonderful relaxation for body and soul, but can never for safety there. but not in vain, says: "Misfortunes do not go over the mountains, but the people ..."

Text: Oskar Mažgút

Source and photo: hory.sk