Two Polish climbers were caught in an avalanche in the Zlomisk Valley in the High Tatras Mountain Range in Slovakia on December 3, 2015. According to the avalanche incident report, one climber was completely buried and the other was only partially buried.
The partially buried climber was able to free himself from the avalanche and call for help. A rescue helicopter was unable to reach the site due to weather, so rescuers and avalanche dogs approached on foot. The rescue team was able to locate the buried victim who was buried approximately 120 cm deep. The rescuers were unable to resuscitate him.
The size 2 avalanche hit at approximately 3 PM on a W,WNW aspect on a slope of 35-37 degrees. The avalanche ran 110 meters and was 45 meters wide.
According to TheNews.pl, the victim was Józef Michalec, a 62-year old mountain guide. This is the first avalanche fatality in Slovakia this year. RIP.
For photos, snow profiles, weather information, and more details on this avalanche, read the full incident report.
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Read more about this unfortunate incident at:
- TheNews.pl
- Horska Zachranna Sluzba – Avalanche Report
