Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Glacier.
Wind spikes today mean windslabs will remain an active avalanche problem for the next couple of days.
Weather Forecast
A weak frontal system gives flurries and a spike in winds today. Then a ridge of high pressure gives clear skies and warm temps for the rest of the week.
Today: Flurries (5cm), Alpine High -7 C. Ridge wind (RW) mod SW (gusting strong), Freezing level (FzL) 900m
Tonight: Cloudy. Low -11 C. RW moderate NW
Tuesday: Sunny. High -1 C. FzL 2500m
Snowpack Summary
Surface hoar up to 8mm has grown on the surface at and below treeline. Variable wind effect at ridgetops from SW winds. A layer of small rounding surface hoar has been found down 40-60cm in isolated areas at treeline. The Nov 5 crust is now between 90 and 140cm down which remains within the triggerable range for skiers and riders in some areas.
Avalanche Summary
An avalanche reported on Mt Swanzy appears to have stepped down to the Nov. 5th weak layer. Numerous large natural avalanches occurred Friday night on all aspects in the hwy corridor, as well as in the backcountry. A skier triggered sz 1.5 in Avalanche Crest and a 2.5 in Quartz last week failed on surface hoar with wide propagation.
Confidence
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Ongoing moderate SW winds continue to build windslabs in open wind affected areas in the alpine and at treeline. In isolated areas these overly a preserved surface hoar layer.
- Use safe ski cutting techniques to enter your line.
- Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2
Persistent Slabs
Skiers may still trigger this layer in thin spots on steep planar slopes.
Recent naturally triggered avalanches indicate that this layer may still be reactive in some locations.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Unlikely
Expected Size: 2 - 3