Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Glacier.
Be cautious of shallow snowpack areas in the alpine where triggering deeper layers is more likely.
Allow extra time for low elevation travel, current conditions are rugged and challenging.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
No new natural avalanches have been observed for several days, however, isolated slab avalanches continue to be human triggered from shallow snowpack areas of the alpine.
Snowpack Summary
On steep south facing slopes a breakable surface crust with a dusting of new snow makes for challenging travel. Below 2500m on all aspects is the robust and supportive Feb 3rd crust with 10-30cm of recent low density snow over it.
Below tree line expect difficult conditions with widespread refrozen avalanche debris and shallow snowpack hazards.
Warm temperatures have rounded and strengthened the mid and lower snowpack.
Weather Summary
A clearing trend today will set us up for a dry week ahead with calm conditions and freezing levels at or near valley bottom.
Tonight: Cloudy & flurries - 5cm, light SW winds, low -7°C, freezing level (FZL) 1000m.
Mon: Cloudy with isolated flurries, high -6°C, light W winds, FZL 1300m.
Tues: Mix of sun & cloud, low -14°C, light to moderate N winds, FZL valley bottom.
Wed: Sunny, low -14°C, FZL valley bottom.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Watch for wind-loaded pockets especially around ridgecrest and in extreme terrain.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Recent snow accompanied by moderate winds formed soft wind slabs on leeward and cross loaded features in the alpine. Where this wind slab sits on a crust, it may be particularly reactive and has the potential to run far.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood: Likely
Expected Size: 1.5 - 2.5