Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Glacier.
Seriously, is it still ski season at Rogers Pass?! 25cm of new snow Tuesday suggests it is.
The snowpack changes dramatically from crusty travel in the valley bottom to full-on winter in the Alpine. Change your mindset with the changing conditions.
Weather Forecast
Continued unsettled wx through Fri with isolated flurries. Diurnal pattern of overnight cooling and rising freezing levels (FZL) during the day.
Tonight: Cloud with clear periods, Alp low -6*C, light SW wind
Thurs: Mix of sun/cloud, Alp high -4*C, FZL 1800m, light W wind
Fri: Mix of sun/cloud, Alp high -3*C, FZL 1800m, light SW wind
Snowpack Summary
There are 2 distinct snowpacks at the moment. Below 2000m exists a firm Spring-time melt-freeze snowpack that is solid in the am, then breaking down with daytime warming. Above 2000m, a winter snowpack dominates, with 25cm of new snow atop various older surfaces (melt-freeze crust, wind slab, or dry powder on high, sheltered, N'ly slopes).
Avalanche Summary
Crossover Gullies E and W, and Tractor Shed W, all spit out a sz 2 storm slab to half-path Tues.
Several moist natural avalanches to sz 2.5 were observed on Avalanche Crest Monday night, roughly starting at 1900m.
Confidence
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
25cm of warm snow blanketed the region Tues. This sits atop various surfaces (crust, previous wind slabs) and may be more reactive where wind effect is more pronounced. Cautiously enter leeward facing lines, especially if the slab sits on a crust.
- Carefully evaluate terrain features by digging and testing on adjacent, safe slopes.
- Use caution on steep lee and cross-loaded slopes.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2.5
Loose Wet
Watch for moist/wet avalanches during peak daytime warming, especially on steeper slopes exposed to maximum solar radiation.
- Use extra caution on slopes if the snow is moist or wet.
- Avoid terrain traps, such as gullies, where the consequences of a small avalanche could be serious.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Below Treeline.
Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2