Heavy snowfalls in recent days have led to increased avalanche danger in Pirin, mountain safety experts warn. It snowed in the Bansko region throughout yesterday, with the snow cover increasing by over 15-20 centimeters.
According to mountain rescuer Andrey Balevski, on Sunday the avalanche danger was level three with a tendency to increase. “We are currently between level three and level four. Today we will conduct additional examinations in order to provide accurate information“, he specified to bTV.
Balevski added that level three of avalanche danger is among the most treacherous. “The snow masses are stable enough not to unload themselves, but when a skier, snowboarder or mountaineer enters the slopes, an avalanche can be triggered“, the expert explained.
The main preventive measure in the event of increased avalanche danger is for tourists not to deviate from winter routes, and at higher levels - even to postpone planned hikes. “Above the third degree, the recommendation is to cancel the routes until the situation stabilizes“, said Balevski.
He reminded that every day between 8.15 and 8.40 a.m. an avalanche bulletin is published with information about the weather, snow cover, risky exposures and areas with the highest danger. “This is the best advice – people to be informed before going out into the mountains“, the expert emphasized.
He commented that there is still a presence of unprepared people outside the slopes. “There are skiers, snowboarders and mountaineers who, due to lack of skills and knowledge, take risky actions on the wrong day. This is the most dangerous“, he warned.
Among the main recommendations remains the rule to never go into the mountains alone, as well as to inform a loved one or base about the planned route in advance.
Regarding the controlled explosions to secure dangerous slopes, Balevski specified that they are carried out by employees of the “Pirin“ National Park through the GAZEX system. There are such facilities in the area of the “Vihren“ hut and near the Bansko ski area. "There has been no avalanche death in these areas, which shows the effectiveness of the system," he said.