Dramatic conditions in the Tatra Mountains. The decision was made at the last minute
The traditional illumination of the cross on Giewont on the anniversary of the death of John Paul II will not take place. The director of TPN explained the reasons.
The authorities of the Tatra National Park announced that on Thursday The previously announced illumination of the cross on Giewont will not take place on April 2.
The cross on Giewont will not be illuminated
The director of TPN, Szymon Ziobrowski, explained that A temporary cross lighting system was installed at the top and was to be activated remotely at 21:37 and symbolically illuminate the cross for a minute. The plans were thwarted by the weather. Heavy snowfall in the Tatra Mountains caused the lamps to be covered with a 1.5-meter layer of white fluff. The conditions in the mountains are so difficult that it is impossible for anyone to climb to the top and remove the snow from the installation.
– Avalanche danger level 4 is currently in force in the Tatra Mountains, all trails are closed, so no decision will be made to send employees to Giewont. Conditions in the mountains are very dangerous, emphasized Szymon Ziobrowski.
The tradition of lighting the cross on Giewont on the anniversary of the death of John Paul II dates back to 2005. Every April 2 at 9:37 p.m., this method of symbolic commemoration of the Polish Pope was undertaken.
Tatra Mountains. Trails closed to tourists until further notice
From Tuesday, March 31, all trails in the Polish Tatra Mountains have been closed. They will remain unavailable until further notice.
According to the TPN authorities, the threat does not only result from intense snowfall. Trees and branches breaking under their weight are also a big problem, which poses a real risk to tourists even on the lower sections of the trails.
TOPR rescuers announced that avalanche danger level 4 had been introduced. It covers the entire mountain area, regardless of height. As the services emphasize, an avalanche can occur even with a small load, especially on steep slopes, and numerous spontaneous avalanches are also possible.
“Conditions in the mountains are definitely unfavorable. It is recommended to refrain from any trips to high mountain areas. You should stay within the limits of moderately steep slopes and take into account the range of avalanches from higher slopes,” TOPR emphasizes in the statement.
