Avalanche Conditions

4 photos

Mestia backcountry avalanche conditions

Upper Svaneti, Georgia.

Avalanche Conditions

Guided in the Mestia area (Svaneti/Georgia/Caucasus) between 12 and 16 February. I found mixed conditions in respect to snow stability and quality.
After substantial snowfalls (ca. 40cm HST) during the night 11-12 February and in the course of 12 February we skied the trees around Hatsvali ski resort. Any unsupported roll tested reacted to ski-cutting, so we skied in densely forested terrain only. On 13 February we skied on the mellow SW-facing slopes that lead to Gul pass (to 2600m), avoiding slopes over 30°. Mild temperatures (plus degrees in Mestia at 1500m) lead to notable fast settlement of the new snow. Skiing quality was good until ca. 2200m, where the snow became moist.
February 14 was sunny and warm. We toured around Tetnuldi ski resort, to 3100m. Compression tests at 2850m, SW aspect, slope angle 25°, showed medium resistant planar results, 37cm down on density interfaces and down 60 on a thin melt-freeze crust with now observable faceting around it. HS was 230cm. We found good stability on W aspects throughout the day, with settled snow and excellent skiing quality despite intense radiation.
During a low-angle traverse over SW slopes at 2650m in the afternoon we observed strong settlement noises, however - I suspect due to the buried crust and possibly faceting.
On 15 February we skinned from Mestia (1500m) to the col leading to Chalati glacier, via Koruldi lakes. On the ascent route up SE slopes we found snow that was consolidated after several days of warm days and cool nights. In the treed areas below 2000m surface hoar development could be observed. We skied down via the N-NE facing Chalati glacier. Snow cover was excellent – no visible crevasses and more than 320cm snow (probe did not reach the ground). The 40° entry pitch showed some minor sluffing. The skiing quality was excellent, except for breakable crust starting below 2000-2100m.
On 16 February we skied in the Laila range, mellow north facing slopes to 2500m. At 2340m I measured an HS of 180cm. Skiing quality was good, but a slight sun crust was notable while skiing.

Report made by Peter Schön (CAA professional member, LV 3).

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These observations and opinions are those of the person who submitted them. The ACMG and its members take no responsibility for errors, omissions, or lapses in continuity. Conditions differ greatly over time and space due to the variable nature of mountain weather and terrain. Application of this information provides no guarantee of increased safety. Do not use the Mountain Conditions Report as the sole factor in planning trips or making decisions in the field.