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2025 Archive Index - All Editions

This is the first of what will probably be several catch-up emails. The last news sent out was a month ago, due to some international travel it was not possible to keep this updated. The accumulated news is now being reviewed for inclusion in an email.

In This Edition:

Tatra Mountains avalanche warning issued (Poland, Oct 2)

Poland’s Tatra Mountains have been transformed into a winter wonderland after fresh snow blanketed the summits, attracting an influx of tourists to the region. The scenic conditions, however, come with heightened risks. The Tatra Volunteer Search and Rescue service has issued a first-degree avalanche warning, reporting up to 20 centimeters of new snow in some areas. While skies remain overcast, forecasters expect breaks of sunshine to create even more picturesque views. Temperatures at higher elevations are forecast to fall to –6 °C, making the terrain both stunning and hazardous.
More ... (TVP World)

Avalanche in Slovenia kills three Croatian climbers

BOHINJ, Slovenia, Oct 6 (Reuters) - Three Croatian climbers were killed after an avalanche struck below the Toska mountain peak in Slovenia's Julian Alps on Sunday. The search for the trekkers, who went climbing despite weather warnings, began on Sunday when rescuers found the body of one of them before being forced to suspend the operation due to bad conditions. A team of 45 rescuers, police and a helicopter continued the search on Monday and found the bodies of two climbers at a height of 1,800 metres. "All three were killed," rescue team leader Miha Arh told a news conference attended by Slovenian and Croatian interior ministers. Arh said wet snow and wind probably caused the avalanche.
More ... (Reuters)

Snow And Avalanches In China Cause Disruptions And Halt Tourism

Oct 7: Severe winter weather conditions plagued the Xinjiang region in northwest China, particularly affecting the Kanas scenic area and surrounding locales. The recent severe snowfall created extremely hazardous conditions along key travel routes. These arteries, vital for access and exit, were quickly engulfed by thick layers of snow and ice, accompanied by debris from multiple avalanches cascading down the mountain slopes. As a result, roads became impassable, trapping hundreds of tourist vehicles. The severity of the situation peaked when over 1,000 tourists found themselves stranded in the secluded holiday village of Hemu, with roadways essentially cut off for several days due to the ongoing snowfalls and avalanche activity.

Snow accumulation in certain locations reached astonishing depths, with drifts piling up several meters high, overwhelming the capabilities of regular snow removal equipment. The avalanches worsened the scenario by depositing heavy rocks, fallen tree branches, and other debris mixed with the snow, rendering rotary snowplows ineffective. Due to these challenging conditions, rescue teams had to abandon mechanical snow removal alone and instead relied heavily on manual digging and the deployment of heavy excavation machinery.
More ... (Travel and Tour World)