Gudauri
Natural avalanches are unlikely, human-triggered avalanches are possible. Small avalanches in specific areas, or large avalanches in isolated areas.
Although a lot of areas have been ridden lately without much happening, large avalanches are still possible because of weak layers that could easily collapse if you find the 'lucky' spot. So think about the possible consequences when you plan your line, and why not dig a snowpit! (Share your result on our facebook page). Please support this forecast service - share our posts, visit the links on our Facebook page, get in touch to join and help out, or book an avalanche course!
Forecast issued at: 1 February 2025 21:30
Forecast valid until: 4 February 2025 21:30
Forecaster: Manu Greer
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
Persistent Slab
In most places in the high alpine, and shadier places in the alpine zone, layers of weak snow can be found at the base and middle of the snowpack. Sudden collapses of these layers caused by a rider's weight could trigger large avalanches on slopes of more than 30 degrees. Dig somewhere representative of the slope you want to ride before you drop in to see if you can find these weaknesses.
| 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 | No change |
| Confidence | Moderate |
Recent Avalanches and Snowpack
No fresh avalanches reported in the last few days.
It's thin out there, the snowpack is anything from 30 - 100 cm in most places. Some sunny aspects have melted off completely. Early-season snow forms a weak, sugary base layer in many places above 2500m. It can be found on all aspects but is worse on the N 1/2. Isolated whumphing was reported at high elevations (above 3000m). Hard old wind deposited layers can be found in the mid-pack, with weak snow and surface hoar layers seen above and below them. This caused an ECTV (failed on cutting) today, Feb 1st - E aspect, 3240m. Newer windslabs may exist on the S 1/4 near ridge lines, caused by recent N winds. Thin surface crusts have facets growing below them, mostly on E, S and W aspects.
Weather
Fine with some cloud and light winds Sunday and Monday. Cloud and SW wind increasing Tuesday as some weather moves in.
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.