Lots of W wind in the Alpine and High alpine on Feb 09 and more in the upcoming days - wind slabs are bound to be yet again spread on E slopes at these elevations.
Such strong winds over a prolonged period of time are likely to create especially big slabs that can later produce bigger full profile avalanches as they might trigger the reported surface hoar that is now buried underneath or even a deep persistent weak layer that still lingers in the snowpack since the beginning of the season.
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 )
Snowpack of around 150 cm can be found around the area.
Sugary, weak 10-20 cm thick base layer at ground still remains a main structural problem of the snowpack in the high alpine and alpine zones on W, N, and E slopes.
Big areas of surface hoar were reported in wind-shielded areas at higher elevations before recent snowfall and wind cycle.
Recent snowfall brought 70 cm of fresh snow on top of these layers and covered them from recent strong winds creating another weak layer in the snowpack.
Partly cloudy with low clouds at resort level.
Moderate to strong W and SW winds that will begin to calm on Feb 11.
Air temps -5 to -7C during the day and around -10C during the night at resort level.
Freeezing level at 1000 m.
Flat light and low visibility due to low clouds.