Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Glacier.
It's warm and wet out there!
There will be stormy weather and fluctuating freezing levels, which could mean rain on top of fresh snow. If that's the case expect ski/snowboard quality to decrease and the avalanche danger to increase.
Still getting out? Consider posting a MIN report!
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
On Friday there was a natural avalanche cycle triggered by rain & warm temps. This cycle produced avalanches up to size 3.5
There was also a report of a few skier triggered size 1's from the Herdman Couloir. MIN Report Here
On Monday, a field team in the Fidelity zone was able to ski-control several dry/loose sz 1 avalanches on N aspects, as well as ski-cut a wind slab on an E aspect.
Snowpack Summary
Heavy new snow with light to moderate wind has created storm slabs. These slabs sit atop a series of crusts on all aspects except high north faces, where they overlie dry snow.
The Feb 3rd crust, down ~110cm, is the dominant mid-pack layer and still produces isolated planar results when tested.
With high freezing levels expect rain soaked snow at treeline and below. This will shrink our already dwindling snowpack at lower elevations.
Weather Summary
A low pressure system is moving through the region, bringing stormy weather the next few days. There is uncertainty in the models about snow/rain amounts but most are showing steady precipitation & warm temps
Tonight: Cloudy with flurries. Alp low -1°C, Ridgetop wind: South 10-20 km/hr, Freezing Level (FZL): 1900m
Sat: Flurries: 7 cm, Wind SW 15-30km/hr, FZL: 2300m
Sun: Snow: 10 cm, Ridge wind SW 15-35, FZL: 1800m
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Closely monitor how the new snow is bonding to the old surface.
- Avoid exposure to areas with overhead hazard during periods of rain.
Avalanche Problems
Storm Slabs
Recent storms have deposited approximately 20cms of new heavy snow with moderate winds. This slab is especially reactive where its getting rained on!
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2.5
Loose Wet
Rain and sleet at treeline will destabilize the snowpack. Expect natural activity if the rain continues.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible - Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2