High avalanche risk in Rila and Pirin mountains

Hazardous weather and risky winter conditions in the Rila and Pirin mountains in Bulgaria due to heavy snow and strong winds at high altitudes. On the 5 degree European scale, the risk of avalanches in the Pirin Mountains is above 4, according to the Bulgarian Avalanche Association.

Wind speed is 60 kilometres per hour, temperature is -20 degrees and snow cover is more than 1 metre. This is the picture on the high and risky parts of Pirin.

"We have a delicate season in terms of avalanche danger. We have an ice base, but the snow will hardly stick to it. The problem is such that there are no visible signs of avalanche danger and snowpack at the moment, and a skier may decide it is safe to go down a slope, but when a skier goes on the slope, this can trigger the tear off," says Andy Balevsky, a mountaineer and avalanche expert on February 7.

Avalanche experts and mountain rescuers on duty advise against taking any big risks off-piste at all, as the chance of forming an avalanche is over 80%.

"You have to bear in mind that there has been quite strong winds and every single snowfall has been with quite strong winds, which carried snow to the chutes, pretty much. Tourists need to go out very prepared, with their phones charged, well equipped, that's what we've always reminded them," said Ivaylo Valeov of Bansko Mountain Rescue Service.

"Most likely, this trend will not change until April, that is, we have a problem in depth. People should be much more cautious than usual. Last winter we had a bit more snow and temperatures that stayed very similar most of the time, which made it very stable. This year, both in the Alps and here, we have a little bit more of a delicate situation already and there are indications that people need to be more conservative," said Andy Balevski.

People, who often ignore weather conditions and advice, should avoid hiking away from the Mountain Rescue Service duty stations. In this way, in the event of an accident, the time for mountain rescue teams to provide first aid will also be shorter.

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