Avalog
Register
Get forecast notifications
Create an account to receive email notifications when forecasts are published.
Register
Login
Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Feb 28th, 2013–Mar 1st, 2013
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be considerable
Alpine
4: High
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be high
Treeline
4: High
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be high
Below Treeline
4: High
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be high
Alpine
4: High
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be high
Treeline
4: High
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be high
Below Treeline
4: High
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be high

Regions: Glacier.

A strong Pacific storm is bringing warm temperatures, heavy precipitation and strong winds. Be aware of rapidly developing avalanche conditions when this storm arrives.

Weather Forecast

Light precipitation is forecast for today, and is going to be followed by a major storm this evening and for the next few days. This storm is being referred to as a "Pineapple Express" and is forecast to bring 20-25cm overnight, and another 20-30cm on Friday, with rising temperatures and freeze lines. Freezing levels are up to 1300m today.

Snowpack Summary

Top 40 cm settling storm snow with a soft breakable crust on top where it is exposed to the sun. Feb 12 surface hoar and crust layers down 50-60cm, fist to 1 finger snow over top. Mid pack is well settled.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches were observed in the park yesterday.

Confidence

Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain

Avalanche Problems

Persistent Slabs

Surface hoar layer buried 45-60cm. This layer is reactive to rider triggering and remote triggering and has been seen to be most reactive where the surface hoar is sitting on a sun crust or firm layer in the snowpack (bed-surface).
Avoid open slopes and convex rolls at and below treeline where buried surface hoar may be preserved.Be aware of the potential for large, deep avalanches due to the presence of buried surface hoar.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 3

Storm Slabs

Instabilities in the upper 50cm from the recent storm snow can step down to the Feb 12 surface hoar layer.
Avoid all avalanche terrain during periods of heavy loading from new snow, wind, or rain.Dig down to find and test weak layers before committing to a line.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 3