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Gudauri

Icon for Avalanche Hazard: Low

Natural and human-triggered avalanches are unlikely. Small avalanches in isolated areas or extreme terrain.

Small loose dry ('sluff') avalanches can be started on shady aspects at higher elevations. Small loose wet snow slides are more likely on sunny slopes at low elevations but could also happen on some steep sunny slopes higher up.

Forecast issued at: ⁨19 February 2024 18:00⁩

Forecast valid until: ⁨22 February 2024 18:00⁩

Forecaster: ⁨Luke Frisken⁩

Forecast Area

High Alpine

> 2600m

Icon for Avalanche Hazard: Low Elevation Hazard Diagram high-alpine low

1 Low

Generally safe avalanche conditions. Watch for unstable snow on isolated terrain features.

Alpine

2000m - 2600m

Icon for Avalanche Hazard: Low Elevation Hazard Diagram alpine low

1 Low

Generally safe avalanche conditions. Watch for unstable snow on isolated terrain features.

Sub Alpine

< 2000m

Icon for Avalanche Hazard: Low Elevation Hazard Diagram sub-alpine low

1 Low

Generally safe avalanche conditions. Watch for unstable snow on isolated terrain features.

Avalanche Problems

Loose Dry

Problem Type Loose Dry Icon
Problem Type
Aspect/Elevation
Aspect/Elevation
Avalanche Size
Avalanche Size
Likelihood
Likelihood
A type of loose snow avalanche composed of dry snow.

15 to 20cm of unconsolidated snow is sitting on top of a crust in some places, especially on more solar aspects. Small avalanches on this layer have been observed in the past 3 days. Keep this in mind when approaching steep terrain with hazards like rocks or cliffs below.

Sensitivity The specific avalanche problem type is reactive to human rider triggers. Easy to trigger with ski cut.
Distribution Specific areas, with common characteristics. Evidence for instabilities exists, but it is not obvious and finding it requires careful observations.
Time of Day All day
Trend No change
Confidence Moderate

Loose Wet

Problem Type Loose Wet Icon
Problem Type
Aspect/Elevation
Aspect/Elevation
Avalanche Size
Avalanche Size
Likelihood
Likelihood
A type of loose snow avalanche composed of wet or moist snow.

Below 2600 m on sunny aspects, it might be possible for a single rider to start small loose snow avalanches. They will be easier to start from mid-morning to late afternoon, on steep slopes and in lower elevations.

Sensitivity The specific avalanche problem type is reactive to human rider triggers. Easy to trigger with ski cut.
Distribution Specific areas, with common characteristics. Evidence for instabilities exists, but it is not obvious and finding it requires careful observations.
Trend Improving
Confidence Moderate

Persistent Slab

Problem Type Persistent Slab Icon
Problem Type
Aspect/Elevation
Aspect/Elevation
Avalanche Size
Avalanche Size
Likelihood
Likelihood
A slab formed over a persistent weak layer.

Weak, facetted snow layers have been found around buried mid-pack crusts and in areas with shallow snow depth. The problem is worse in the north of the region where the snow is shallower. With recent warm temperatures these layers should have stabilised at lower elevations, but remain cautious on steep terrain.

Sensitivity The specific avalanche problem type is difficult to trigger with a human rider.
Distribution A few, isolated locations; evidence for instabilities is rare and hard to find.
Time of Day All day
Trend Improving
Confidence Moderate

Recent Avalanches and Snowpack

Recent avalanche activity:

Several small (size 1) loose dry avalanches observed on E to NE aspects above 2900 m.

Several small (size 1) loose wet avalanches observed during the previous warm weather period, SW-S-SE aspects, below 2900 m.

Glide slabs continue to be active on multiple aspects (more commonly E, S and W) below about 2600m, some up to size 2. If you see cracks in the snow, do not stop under these areas!

Snowpack:

Light rain at low elevations and about 15 cm of new snow at higher elevations on Thursday and Friday. Loose dry snow has been reported on N and E aspects at higher elevations. Buried crusts with weak snow layers around them are now less of a problem on lower elevation and sunny slopes. In northern areas (North of Kobi Valley), where the snowpack is thinner, weak snow might still be present. Watch out for sugary (faceted) snow in areas where the snow is shallow. Warm temperatures have been gradually strengthening the snowpack, but the problem layers should not be forgotten yet. Check out recent snow profiles (or add your own!) at snowpilot.org

Weather

Partly cloudy with light mostly South winds for the next 2 days. Freezing level ranging from 500m overnight up to 1500m during the day.

Disclaimer

Our avalanche forecasters are internationally qualified and experienced professionals, and data is provided by skilled observers. We encourage you to make your own observations and decisions, without relying solely on our forecast, since any forecast is a generalised 'best guess', and in certain cases it might be inaccurate. We can not be held liable for any actions you take in the backcountry that may result in injury, loss or death.