Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Glacier.
The hazard may increase if forecast freezing levels are exceeded and/or if the sun comes out.
Weather Forecast
Scattered flurries with minimal accumulation is forecast for today, accompanied by Southerly winds in the 20km/h range and a 1300m freezing level. Treeline temps will reach a high of -3.
On Tuesday, a weak front will bring cooling temps (freezing level to valley bottom) and light snowfall (up to 5cm).
Snowpack Summary
10-20cm of settling storm snow lies on previous wind effect and small facets from last weeks cold (this may be a slab in areas where it has been stiffened by the wind). The mid and lower snowpack are generally well settled and strong. The Dec 27th surface hoar/crust persists down 100cm, but has not been reactive since the last major snowfall.
Avalanche Summary
There were a few large (up to size 2.5) avalanches from extreme terrain on MacDonald and Tupper yesterday.
Two small (size 1-1.5) soft slab avalanches where triggered by skiers at treeline on Saturday (these both failed at the interface of the recent storm snow (down 20-25cm).
Confidence
Freezing levels are uncertain
Avalanche Problems
Storm Slabs
Recent new snow overlies wind stiffened and facetted surfaces, and may be a reactive slab in isolated areas where the wind has stiffened the surface.
- Use caution above cliffs and terrain traps where small avalanches may have severe consequences.
- Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, West, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2