Tatra National Park in Poland has been closed to all visitors indefinitely due to hazardous conditions including falling trees, heavy snowfall, and a high avalanche risk.
Heavy Snowfall and Treefall Trigger Park Closure
The closure of Tatra National Park is due to trees and branches breaking under the weight of snow, posing a threat to people in the mountains, and a significant avalanche risk.
The Tatra National Park authorities are urging tourists to heed warnings and make safe decisions, emphasizing that their safety depends on their own judgment.
Strict Adherence to Closure Urged
Authorities are appealing to tourists to strictly adhere to the ban on entry and refrain from going into the mountains. They stress that current conditions are unfavorable and dangerous.
Mountain rescue services report a third-degree avalanche risk in the Tatras, indicating the possibility of spontaneous avalanches and difficult terrain. Snowdrifts are forming along the border, and the snowpack is unstable.
Roads and Trails Closed
The road to Morskie Oko was closed to tourists Tuesday morning, followed by the ski slope from Hala Goryczkowa to Kuźnice. The situation worsened in the afternoon, leading to a complete closure of the Tatra area to tourists until further notice.
Snow Accumulation Reaches Significant Levels
Intense snowfall in recent hours has created snowdrifts in the ridge areas. TOPR (Mountain Volunteer Search and Rescue) advises against venturing into higher mountain areas.
Over 160 cm of snow has accumulated on Kasprowy Wierch, and 180 centimeters in the Valley of the Five Polish Lakes.
