Avalanche forecast

Glacier

Feb 19 – 20, 2023Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Tue
Wed
Alpine
4 · High
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
3 · Considerable

Highlights

Avalanche Danger will increase over the day as the snow continues to fall and the winds remain strong.

Travel in avalanche terrain is not recommended.

Avalanche problems

  • Cornices

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    2–3

    Cornices may become more likely to fail with the increasing snowfall and consistent strong winds. Be aware of what may be looming far above you, hidden behind poor visibility and out of view.

  • Loose Dry

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1–2

    Low density surface snow has created a dry loose avalanche problem in steep, sheltered terrain. Be cautious in steep gullies and on slopes with terrain traps at the bottom.

  • Storm Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely - Very Likely
    Size
    1–3

    Continuing snowfall and strong winds will keep the storm slab problem active in the region. Watch for cracking in the snowpack and deeper slabs in wind loaded areas.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

Expect avalanche activity to increase throughout the day on Sunday.

On Friday a skier triggered size 2.5 near the top of Bruins Ridge and had a narrow run down the full length of 8812 Bowl, dusting the skin track en route to Balu Pass. 150m wide with a crown depth of 20-90cm and traveling 1.2km.

Snowpack Summary

30+cm of recent snow and moderate-strong Westerly winds have formed fresh slabs in the Alpine. As the snow continues to fall, expect the storm slab to become more reactive at all elevations.

Several thin crusts are buried on steep solar aspects.

The deep persistent weakness at the base of the snowpack (rounding facets and a crust in some locations), has been showing signs of strengthening recently.

Weather Summary

Powder seekers will be pleased with the 15-20cm of new snow falling throughout the day on Sunday. Winds will be 40-50km/hr from the West with an alpine high of -7.

Another 10cm and tapering winds Monday night into Tuesday.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Storm slab size and sensitivity to triggering will likely increase through the day.
  • Storm slabs in motion may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.
  • Loose avalanches may start small but they can grow and push you into dangerous terrain.

Regions covered