Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Glacier.
Storm slabs are at the perfect depth to be triggered by humans. Choose supported terrain for your ascent/descent.
Be aware that the sun is getting stronger and can trigger dry loose avalanches when it pops out from behind the clouds!
Weather Forecast
A mix of flurries, sun, and cloud over the next few days as systems try to push through from the west coast.
Today: Sun and cloud, alpine high -10*C, light to mod W winds
Tues: Cloudy with flurries, 5cm snow, alpine high -8*C, mod SW winds
Wed: Cloudy with flurries, 5cm snow, alpine high -7*C, mod SW winds
Snowpack Summary
30+cm of storm snow has now buried the February 22 weak layer. This layer consists of surface hoar (observed up to 2300m) in sheltered areas and a sun crust on solar aspects. Surface hoar may be found on the sun crust in some areas. Where the new snow has become cohesive, it is reactive to human triggering as a 20-40cm soft slab.
Avalanche Summary
Natural avalanche activity tapered yesterday with only minor dry, loose sluffs being observed from extreme terrain. A widespread natural avalanche cycle to sz 3 occurred Saturday on all aspects/elevations. These avalanches were failing on the Feb 22nd surface hoar/ sun crust layer and became very reactive with solar input and gusty winds.
Confidence
Avalanche Problems
Storm Slabs
The storm slab is increasing in cohesiveness and thickness on top of the Feb 22 surface hoar/ sun crust. Human triggering of the fresh storm slab is likely on steep features and in wind affected areas.
- Watch for surface cracking and stiffer surface layers of snow.
- Use caution on open slopes and convex rolls where buried surface hoar may be preserved.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2.5
Loose Dry
Low density storm snow has a propensity to be triggered by short, intense solar inputs. Sunny breaks today could be just that trigger.
- If triggered dry loose point releases can form deeper deposits in terrain traps.
- 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