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Loose wet slides are the main danger as the temperatures warm over the weekend. As some snow builds up at higher elevations with S winds, small wind slabs could form. Any observations about snowpack and avalanches are really appreciated - post on our Facebook group or send us a message. Our next forecast will be the last of the season!
A few natural loose wet slides seen on Lomisa - Miketi area, up to size 2
A couple more size 1 - 2 loose wet spotted on Lomisia - Meqeti ridge area.
A snowmobile triggered a slab avalanche (probably windslab) in a steep area behind Dedaena ridge at 3000m. There are no reports of injury or burial.
A few storm and wind slab avalanches spotted this week, from the previous storm. Mostly in the high alpine, and on various aspects due to the changes in wind direction. Some were wide and up to size 3. Loose wet avalanches up to size 2 are also numerous on sunny areas even at high elevations - mostly size 1.
80 - 100cm of new snow fell between April 9th - 12th with strong winds from the SW, S and SE, switching to N and NE. The high alpine snowpack is still very deep, over 200cm in many areas, while at lower elevations it is quickly disappearing, especially on sunny slopes. Melt-freeze layers are found on sunny areas at all elevations, and all aspects below about 2700m. Many areas have a strong, consolidated snowpack with hard wind deposited layers, with some layers of graupel noted. In some shallow, shady areas at high elevations, weak snow layers can be found and could be reactive to triggers.
A mix of cloud and sun this weekend, with a little snow overnight Saturday and showers on Sunday. Moderate to strong S winds at upper elevations. Freezing level 2600-2700m.
*In isolated places on N facing high alpine terrain, weak snow can be found at the ground. Although difficult to trigger, large deep slab avalanches might be possible. Cornice falls or snowmobiles might provide enough weight.
*Glide cracks and glide avalanches are active in many areas and can produce large avalanches at any time - it's best to avoid these areas if possible.
*Cloud and sun can increase heat, making loose wet slides more likely - watch out for the greenhouse effect!