Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Glacier.
Danger levels will continue to rise with continuing snowfall today. Forecasted gusty winds may bump the danger level even higher.
Cracking and whumphing around you is Mother Nature's warning to stick to low-angled, supported slopes.
Weather Forecast
Snow and warm for the next 24hrs, then flurries with general cooling.
Today: Snow, 15cm, FZL 1800m, light gusting strong S winds
Tonight: Snow, 15cm, FZL 1400m, light gusting strong S winds
Tues: Flurries, 5cm, FZL 1300m, mainly light ridge winds
Wed: Isolated flurries, FZL 700m, light/mod W winds
Thurs: Flurries, 10cm, FZL 500m, light/mod SW winds
Snowpack Summary
A heavy, 20cm storm slab sits atop the previous drought layer (surface facets, surface hoar, wind affect, and sun crust). In wind-affected areas, expect reactive storm slabs. Pay close attention to cracking/whumphing around your skis and in lee areas. The snowpack below is mostly well bonded, with critical layers from earlier this winter dormant.
Avalanche Summary
Field teams were able to easily ski cut sz 1 dry/loose avalanches in steep, lee tree-line terrain yesterday. Multiple reports of cracking in the new storm slab was reported in the MIN's.
And, to be expected, a small natural avalanche cycle began last night in the highway corridor (Tupper and Macdonald) with avalanches to sz 2.5.
Confidence
Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain
Avalanche Problems
Storm Slabs
Snowfall, wind, and warm temps are a perfect recipe for storm slab development. These storm slabs will be touchy where the winds have been stronger.
Watch for cracking/whumphing around your skis/board today!
- Use caution in lee areas. Wind loading could create slabs.
- Use safe ski cutting techniques to enter your line.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2.5
Loose Dry
Expect loose dry avalanches in steep terrain. Manage your descent accordingly. The underlying facets will allow for a greater snow mass to accumulate and flow fast and far.
- Ski short pitches and regroup in safe spots.
- Use caution above cliffs and terrain traps where small avalanches may have severe consequences.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2