Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Glacier.
Natural avalanche activity is decreasing but human triggered avalanches are still occurring and will continue for some time to come!
Stick to conservative terrain, and be aware of who is above and below you.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
Last week, a group triggered a size 3 in the Camp West area, failing on the Feb 3rd persistent weak layer.
Natural avalanches from overnight Friday from Mt Macdonald put dust and branches on the highway.
A skier-triggered sz 2 slab popped mid-run on Avalanche Crest Sunday.
We continue to see daily reports in the region of human triggered avalanches on the Feb 3rd layer - many failing in small forest openings.
Snowpack Summary
We have ~140cms of settled (storm) snow from several recent storms.
Moderate to strong south winds loaded lee features during the storm last week. Winds switched to the N early Saturday, reverse loading slopes in the Alpine and Tree-line.
Below the storm snow, a layer of faceted/sugary crystals sits on the Feb 3rd crust forming a significant persistent weak layer and will be the main layer of concern for the foreseeable future.
Weather Summary
Unsettled weather through southern BC will bring convective flurries to the region and cool temps. Snow amounts will vary from basin to basin.
Tonight: Cloudy, isolated flurries, Alp low -11°C light W winds.
Mon: Cloudy/sunny periods & isolated flurries, Alp high -11°C, light/mod W winds.
Tues: Cloudy/flurries, Alp high -14°C, light W ridgetop winds.
Wed: Mix of sun/cloud, Alp high -14°C, light W winds.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Storm slabs in motion may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.
- Use conservative route selection. Choose simple, low-angle, well-supported terrain with no overhead hazard.
- Remote triggering is a concern, avoid terrain where triggering slopes from below is possible
Avalanche Problems
Persistent Slabs
This crust-facet combo(Feb 3rd) was created by an extended cold, clear period without snow earlier this month. Up to 140cms now sits on the persistent weak layer which remains primed for human triggering (see FB video). If triggered resulting avalanches could be very large in size.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Likely
Expected Size: 2 - 4
Storm Slabs
40-60cm of snow Wednesday, accompanied by strong winds, has created fresh slabs. A Northerly wind switch will build new slabs in atypical places and any daytime heating from the intense spring sun could increase the likelihood of triggering.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2.5