Search underway for missing Croatian climbers

Three Croatian hikers disappeared in an avalanche on Sunday on Mount Tosc, a 2,275 metre high peak located in Slovenia's Julian Alps. 

A search and rescue operation by the Mountain Rescue Service of Slovenia is underway.

The Kranj Police Department said earlier in the day that teams from three mountain rescue stations were advancing through deep snow towards the location in the hopes of finding three Croatians.

According to reports, seven Croatian climbers were staying at a mountain lodge when, for unknown reasons and despite poor weather conditions, the three now missing climbers took out on their own towards the peak.

"Avalanches can start with a small amount of fresh loose snow. However, the primary component of the avalanche doesn't have to be snow, but can be rock, soil and so on. Anything is possible here, but from the reports that we've received there was more than half a meter of snow at the location," said Marko Andrić from the Croatian Mountain Rescue Service.

Those same poor weather conditions are hampering rescue efforts, including the use of vehicles and helicopters.

Due to snow and rain, emergency services say there are fears of fresh avalanches in the area.