Avalanche.geLoading…
Up to 30cm new snow at higher elevations and strong S and SW winds has created a windslab danger. Sunny and very warm weather is coming up, which will make wet loose snow slides a problem too. The deep slab problem can still be found in some places, and the warming could destabilise this layer. Take care out there for the next few days, as these overlapping problems could be quite a challenge to manage. Keep your eyes peeled for signs of avalanche activity and changes in the snow, and keep it conservative until this midwinter heatwave finishes.
Thanks for reading the forecast - please spread the word, and support our work by becoming a member (you get some nice benefits too) - check the 'join us' page in the 'about' section.
Lots of size 1-2 natural slab avalanches along the Miketi-Sheli-Lomisa ridge
Size 2 slide on SE face of smaller Bidara (crown at around 2900 m.)
Size 2 avalanche on Sadzele S face right below the old Sadzele lift (crown at 3000 m.)
Numerous natural and rider-triggered slab size 1-2 avalanches in lower Kobi area.
N, NE, NW slopes between 2500 and 2200 m.
Size 1 slab avalanche on the far skier's right wall in Kobi valley resort zone (NW face, around 2700m )
MULTIPLE windslabs seen around the area, some up to size 3 which probably involved deeper layers. Some very large debris fields seen near the valley floor off the Lomisa ridge area.
The depth of snow varies through the forecast area, from less than 100cm in the north to more than 150cm in the west.
A sugary, weak 10-20 cm thick base layer at ground still remains a concern in the high alpine and alpine zones on W, N, and E slopes - but the areas this can be found are 'patchy' (i.e. not everywhere).
Big areas of surface hoar were reported in wind-shielded areas at higher elevations before the 05 Feb storm, and a few other weaknesses can be seen in the snowpack, especially where it is shallow.
Fine and sunny Sunday to Tuesday, with a freezing level that will be as high as 3400 m on Monday, and remaining over 2500 m on the other days. Some strong S winds possible up high too.
Glide cracks are appearing and glide slab avalanches are being seen - do not hang out under areas where there are cracks! They can release any time of the day or night.