Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Glacier.
Recent snowfall has settled significantly but loose dry avalanches remain a concern in steep terrain.
Be on the lookout for pockets of buried wind slab near ridgetop in the alpine and open areas at treeline.
Confidence
No Rating
Avalanche Summary
Natural avalanche activity has slowed down.
Small loose dry avalanches up to size one reported by public in steep terrain on Monday.
On Sunday the sun poked out today and triggered a loose dry cycle up to size 2 from steep, south-facing features. Falling tree bombs were also prolific!
There was a size 2 skier triggered wind slab below the Asulkan hut on Thursday afternoon. The slab was 30-50cms deep and 40m wide.
Snowpack Summary
Over 60cm of new snow has fallen over the past week. This new snow arrived with periods of moderate SW wind which created pockets of soft slabs in wind prone areas.
Overall, the snowpack is strong with a well consolidated mid-pack. A notable layer is down 90-120cm. This interface has been dormant for weeks, but consists of surface hoar in sheltered locations, and a sun crust on solar aspects. The snowpack's base is comprised of several early-season rain crusts
Weather Summary
Stable weather with cloudy skies & cool temps for the next few days.
Tonight Mainly cloudy. Trace precipitation. Freezing level (FZL) valley bottom. Light W wind
Tues Cloudy with isolated flurries. Trace precip. Alpine high -10. Ridge wind SW 10-20km/h. FZL 700m.
Wed Mainly cloudy with isolated flurries. Trace precip. Ridge wind SW 10-20. FZL 900m.
Thurs Sun & cloud with isolated flurries. Trace precip. SW wind.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Loose avalanches may start small, but they can grow and push you into dangerous terrain.
- Look for signs of instability: whumphing, hollow sounds, shooting cracks, and recent avalanches.
- Be especially cautious as you transition into wind-affected terrain.
Avalanche Problems
Loose Dry
Recent snowfall has settled but cold overnight temps means its not over yet. Expect to find heavy sluffing in steep terrain sheltered from the wind. Be mindful of what your sluff is doing around you, especially above terrain traps or areas you don't want to be pushed through.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2
Wind Slabs
Steady snowfall this past week has formed soft slabs where affected by the wind. This avalanche problem will be most reactive in the alpine and exposed terrain features at tree line.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2.5