In the Carpathians of Ivano-Frankivsk and Zakarpattia regions, avalanches are expected on March 21-24. This was reported in a warning from the State Emergency Service, according to UNN.
According to the Ukrainian Hydrometeorological Center, on March 21-24, due to warming and precipitation in the high-mountainous areas of Ivano-Frankivsk and the eastern part of Zakarpattia regions, a significant snow avalanche danger – level 3 – is expected.
This means that avalanches can occur on many slopes even with light pressure on the snow. On some slopes, medium or even large spontaneous avalanches may occur.
The State Emergency Service asks to be attentive and careful when traveling in the mountains and to avoid avalanche-prone routes until the situation improves.
How to behave during an avalanche
If you hear the rumble of snow, you have a few minutes to do something. The first thing you want to do is start running away. However, this is not always a good idea, because the snow wave moves down at a frantic speed and it is unlikely that you will be able to outrun it. Rescuers advise to stay and act on the spot.
Take off your backpack and equipment, if you have any (skis, snowboard, etc.) and, if possible, hide behind a rock, tree or boulder.
Try to fix yourself by grabbing branches or sticking ski poles into the snow.
There is a possibility that the avalanche will pass by and you will get off relatively easily. However, you should not risk and tempt fate.