Gudauri
Natural avalanches are unlikely, human-triggered avalanches are possible. Small avalanches in specific areas, or large avalanches in isolated areas.
Loose wet slides are possible with direct sun and thin clouds, but this will depend on the tickness and extend of the cloudcover. We have reports of strong facetting near ridgelines in the high alpine. This is not unusual, but the thickness of the facetts are reason for caution wherever the snow is shallow. Watch for glide slabs and cracks on various aspects below 2600m. Please note that we currently have limited observations, and there is some uncertainty around some parts of this forecast.
Forecast issued at: 2 January 2024 19:00
Forecast valid until: 3 January 2024 19:00
Forecaster: Peter S
High Alpine
> 2600m
2 Moderate
Heightened avalanche conditions on specific terrain features. Evaluate snow and terrain carefully; identify features of concern.
Alpine
2000m - 2600m
2 Moderate
Heightened avalanche conditions on specific terrain features. Evaluate snow and terrain carefully; identify features of concern.
Sub Alpine
< 2000m
1 Low
Generally safe avalanche conditions. Watch for unstable snow on isolated terrain features.
Avalanche Problems
Loose Wet
Sun and mild temperatures make small loose wet avalanches possible, especially in steep rocky areas and lower elevations and particularly from mid-morning to mid-afternoon. Watch out for thin clouds, which are as problematic as direct sunlight. The extent of the warming is hard to predict, and crititcal warming may be absent if it remains cloudy throughout the day.
| 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 | Deteriorating |
| Confidence | Moderate |
Persistent Slab
Facetted, weak layer in shallow snowpacks (ca. 1 m), especially in rocky areas and below ridgelines.
| 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 | Low |
Wind Slab
| Sensitivity | The specific avalanche problem type is difficult to trigger with a human rider. |
| Distribution | Specific areas, with common characteristics. Evidence for instabilities exists, but it is not obvious and finding it requires careful observations. |
| Trend | Improving |
| Confidence | High |
Recent Avalanches and Snowpack
Jan 1. Several wet loose avalanches on east side of Chrdili
Weather
Mix of sun and clouds with possible thin clouds. Cold over night (-10° at 2200 m), but warming to -2° in the course of the day (2200 m).
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.