Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 8th, 2021 8:00AM

The alpine rating is considerable, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is moderate. Known problems include Loose Wet and Wind Slabs.

Kate Ryan,

Email

Keep an eye on the impact of solar radiation today! Manage your overhead exposure to solar slopes and cornices accordingly.

Summary

Weather Forecast

A weak ridge over the province will maintain sunny and dry conditions today in Glacier park.

Today:  Sunny with cloudy periods. Freezing level  1400m. Calm winds.

Tonight: Mainly cloudy. No snow. Freezing level at valley bottom. Calm winds.

Tuesday: A mix of sun and cloud with isolated flurries. Trace of snow. Wind SW15-35 km/h. Freezing level 1400m

Snowpack Summary

Up to 30cm of new snow sits atop a breakable crust and moist upper layers of snow up to treeline, and old wind affect in the alpine. The February facet/ crust persistent weak layer is down 80-120cm.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches observed yesterday. Warm temperatures with new snow overnight Friday created a moist avalanche cycle with several size 1.5-2.5 avalanches observed from steep north aspects in the alpine in the highway corridor.

Confidence

Timing or intensity of solar radiation is uncertain

Problems

Loose Wet

An icon showing Loose Wet

Today will be the first dose of strong solar input on the recent storm snow. Expect loose snow avalanches from steep solar aspects at all elevations, especially in areas with rocky or treed features.

  • Minimize exposure to steep, sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong.

Aspects: East, South East, South, South West, West.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2.5

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

Recent storm snow and moderate southerly winds have formed wind slabs in immediate lees and near ridge crests. Use caution as you transition into more wind affected terrain.

  • Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.
  • Watch for signs of instability such as whumphing and cracking.

Aspects: North, North East, East, West, North West.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2.5

Valid until: Mar 9th, 2021 8:00AM