Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Glacier.
Watch for sluffing of loose, dry snow in steep terrain.
The persistent slab problem is most reactive where a cohesive slab sits on top of a crust.
Confidence
High
Avalanche Summary
We have observed size 1 dry loose natural and rider triggered avalanches in steep unsupported terrain this week.
Field teams and MIN reports have observed some whumping and cracking of the surface wind slab.
Neighbouring operations, particularly to the west, are still reporting rider & remote triggered avalanches on the Jan 30th layer.
Snowpack Summary
Areas sheltered from the wind are faceted with good quality skiing.
A weak layer of surface hoar, facets and/or suncrust (Jan 30th drought layer) is 30-50cm down from the snow surface. Recently, this layer is most reactive where a crust exists on solar facing terrain.
The Jan 7th layer is down 50-80cm, and is comprised of surface hoar in sheltered areas and/or a thin crust on steep S aspects.
Weather Summary
Warmer, benign weather is forecast through the weekend.
Tonight Clear periods. Alpine temperature low -11°C. Ridge wind SE-15 km/hr.
Friday Cloudy. Alpine high -10 °C. Ridge wind W 10 km/hr.
Sat Cloudy/isolated flurries. Alpine high -14°C. Wind SW 10m/hr.
Sun Cloudy/isolated flurries. Alpine high -10°C Wind S 10 km/hr.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Be aware of the potential for remote triggering and large avalanches due to buried surface hoar.
- Back off if you encounter whumpfing, hollow sounds, or shooting cracks.
- Be aware of the potential for loose avalanches in steep terrain where snow hasn't formed a slab.
Avalanche Problems
Persistent Slabs
20-50cms of snow overlays a buried persistent weak layer. This weak layer is consists of surface hoar, facets and/or a suncrust. It will be most reactive where there is a settled, cohesive slab on top of a crust.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Unlikely
Expected Size: 1 - 2.5