Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Glacier.
All good things must come to an end.
Enjoy one more day of relatively benign weather before the incoming storm ramps up the hazard level considerably.
Weather Forecast
Our last day of stable weather for a few days. On Sunday a coastal low pushes a cold front inland, giving moderate snowfall and wind.
Today: Sunny periods and isolated flurries. Alpine High -8 C. Ridge wind light S.
Tonight: Flurries (8 cm). Low -7 C. Light-Moderate S wind.
Sunday: Snow (14 cm). High -5 C. Mod S wind.
Monday: Snow (18 cm). Mod S wind.
Snowpack Summary
10 cm of new snow has not yet built much of a slab over the previous drought layer (surface facets, surface hoar, wind affect, and sun crust). Ski pen of up to 35cm in sheltered area means sluff management is still key in steep terrain. The snowpack below is mostly strong rounded crystals, with critical layers from earlier this winter now dormant.
Avalanche Summary
Skier accidentals last week in the Ravens and on Avalanche Crest area good reminder that safe travel practices are always recommended in any avalanche terrain. Windslab development has been reported at and above treeline. Cornices are large and weak, approach corniced ridges with caution, and avoid hanging out beneath them.
Confidence
Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Pockets of windslab have already been reported and may build today if the wind picks up earlier than forecast.
- Use caution in lee areas. Wind loading could create slabs.
Aspects: North, North East, East, West, North West.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2
Storm Slabs
Reactive storm slabs will develop Sunday and continue to build on Monday with incoming snowfall and wind.
- Minimize overhead exposure during periods of heavy loading from new snow, wind.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Unlikely
Expected Size: 1 - 2.5