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Night of 20-21 of January was marked by strong NW winds at higher elevations that likely deposited lots of loose snow that was brought by last snowfall on E and SE slopes. These aspects are now home to wind slabs for a certain amount of time.
Deep slab problem is still out there - recent natural avalanches spotted in the Alpine and High alpine were full-profile avalanches (see Avalanches section) - this is the sign of a weak layer deep in the snowpack that can nonetheless be triggered by a single rider if that rider finds a shallow spot or starts a wind slab above this weak layer.
Lots of large natural slides in the Alpine and High alpine were reported on 21st of January - this suggests that that a lot of potential for full-profile slides is still there.
Old full-depth natural avalanche was spotted on the peak tothe east of Sadzele (Constitution/Dragon peak backside) - NE slope, start zone at 3100 m.
Size 3 natural slide in Milioni valley NW slope at around 2650 m.
Size 3 natural deep slab avalanche on Sadzele main peak N face - 40 degree start zone at 3250. 400 m long.
Size 3 deep slab on E face of Sadzele (just below the top lift station) at around 3250 m - 40 degree steep start zone, 1.5 m. deep, 50 m. wide, 150 m. long
Size 2 natural slide on Chrdili W face at around 2100 m.
Size 3 natural slab avalanche was spotted on SW slope of so called Kudebi 2 peak to the east of Kudebi peak (2600-2700 m.)
Recent storms have brought around 250 cm of snowfall since January 1st, with the most recent storm bringing 50cm+ Winds have pushed this in various directions, and it has settled quickly in lower elevations. Areas of high-denstity wind-packed snow can be found in the snow pack, as well as a lower-density layer that formed at the surface after the first big storm. Thin early-season (November, December) snow has formed a sugary, weak base at ground, around 15 - 30cm thick. This layer is unpredictable since the early snow cover was inconsistent - but it's more likely to cause problems in the high alpine zone on W, N and E slopes. Shooting cracks, whumpfing and rider-triggered avalanches have been reported due to this layer.
Air temps will gradually rise towards the weekend with freezing level rising from 1000 m. to 1650 during the daytime as well. Temperatures will still, however, remain below 0.
Partly cloudy with light to moderate predominantly NW winds.
Rocks are still lurking under the new snow layers - launch with caution and check your landing first!