Visitors to the Greater Sochi area this March 9 and 10 should be careful when they go skiing, the Ministry of Emergency Situations in the Krasnodar area advised. Today and tomorrow, there is great danger of avalanches in the mountains of the the ski resort of Krasnaya Polyana, above 1500 meters altitude. The local authorities are expecting emergencies and an increase in number of accidents.
The Agency for Support and Coordination of Russian Participation in International Humanitarian Operations (EMERCOM) recommended the public and visitors to the area to refrain from going on the mountain in the avalanche period. In case of an visitors and residents may call “010” from any mobile phone.
Areas of possible avalanches usually can be found around slopes steeper than 30 degrees, and slopes without bushes and trees. Slopes steeper than 45 degrees are subject to avalanches at almost every snowfall. If you must go in the avalanche area, wear a rescue beacon on your top layer of clothing beneath your coat, and carry a shovel with you if possible.
In addition, the Ministry of Emergency Situations is also expecting minor issues related to power lines, as well as minor damage to critical infrastructure (blocked roads, complications in transport, increased traffic accidents), to be caused by possible avalanches.