TOPR issues first avalanche alert of the season as early snow blankets High Tatras

First avalanche alert of the season

The Tatra Volunteer Search and Rescue service (TOPR) issued a level-one avalanche warning on Tuesday afternoon, applying to mountain areas above 1,800 metres above sea level. This announcement represents the organisation's first formal avalanche warning for the 2026 autumn season. Under a level-one alert, the snow cover is generally well-bonded and stable across the majority of slopes. However, rescuers emphasized that avalanches can still release under heavy additional loads in isolated locations on very steep or extreme slopes, and small or medium spontaneous slides cannot be ruled out. TOPR warned climbers and hikers to exercise elevated caution, especially around wind-deposited snow on steep grassy terrain.

“Due to fresh snowfall, we announce the first degree of avalanche danger above 1,800 metres above sea level. Attention should be paid to snow deposits, especially on steep grassy slopes.”

Rapid snow accumulation across summits

Snowfall started across the high Tatra peaks on Monday before strengthening considerably on Tuesday morning. Measurements recorded by the Institute of Meteorology and Water Management (IMGW) at 08:00 on Tuesday showed 16 centimetres of snow in Dolina Pięciu Stawów Polskich and 14 centimetres at Kasprowy Wierch. By Tuesday afternoon, snow depth at Kasprowy Wierch increased to 16 centimetres, while Hala Gąsienicowa registered 3 centimetres. A continuous snow layer formed at elevations beginning from 1,500 metres above sea level. Polish Cable Railways (PKL) deployed mechanical snow-clearing equipment alongside manual staff at Kasprowy Wierch to clear access ways and safeguard peak infrastructure.

Dolina Pięciu Stawów16

Kasprowy Wierch16

Hala Gąsienicowa3

Dolina Pięciu Stawów

16 cm

Kasprowy Wierch

16 cm

Hala Gąsienicowa

3 cm

Data from the article text

Severe weather impairs trail safety

Deteriorating weather created hazards across the entire high-altitude trail network. Dense cloud cover and heavy fog sharply restricted visibility, while fresh snow and icy patches obscured trails and footpaths. High in the Carpathians, north-westerly wind gusts reached up to 65 kilometres per hour on Tuesday, causing blizzards and heavy snowdrifts that concealed path alignments. Rescuers noted that tourists risked losing their way even along well-known routes. TOPR issued a public warning instructing hikers to modify their itineraries according to the conditions, noting that adverse weather would impede emergency teams and prolong rescue wait times.

“We ask that you adjust your plans to current conditions. In case of an accident, waiting for help may be significantly prolonged.”

Forecast and early winter onset

The winter conditions arrived during the final hours of astronomical summer, which officially concluded on 22 September at 20:44. IMGW weather forecasts project continued snowfall across higher peaks through Tuesday night and into Wednesday, predicting an additional 4 to 7 centimetres of fresh snow. Summit temperatures hovered at minus 1 degree Celsius on Tuesday and were forecast to fall to minus 2 degrees Celsius overnight. IMGW also forecast snowfall across higher summits in the Beskids, predicting that accumulations above 1,600 metres would rise by 5 to 10 centimetres. High-altitude trails remain under difficult wintry conditions as rescuers monitor the evolving snowpack.