Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Glacier.
The Winter Permit System starts on Nov 16! Get your permit and know what areas are open before you venture into the backcountry.
Early season conditions dictate a cautious approach to the slopes. Slow down, enjoy the walk up, and ease up on your speed on the downhill journey!
Confidence
Low
Avalanche Summary
Several natural and human-triggered avalanches have been observed in the Alpine and upper Treeline elevations. On Nov 12, a sz 2.5 slab avalanche, ~1m deep, was triggered from 200m away while a group approached the final headwall to Video Peak. "Whumphing" has also been reported, common when basal facets get overloaded and then collapse.
Snowpack Summary
Basal sugary facets have been found at Treeline/Alpine elevations. These facets offer little support in a young snowpack, often collapsing and producing loud "whumphing" sounds. Snow depth increases with elevation, but expect many rocks/trees lurking at and just below the snow surface.
Weather Summary
Detailed weather forecasts can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- In areas where deep persistent slabs may exist, avoid shallow or variable depth snowpacks and unsupported terrain features.
- Storm snow and wind is forming touchy slabs. Use caution in lee areas in the alpine and treeline.
Avalanche Problems
Persistent Slabs
Basal facets are more likely to be triggered in shallow, rocky areas, such as ridge-crests and open, convex slopes. A bridging crust exists below Treeline, preventing folks from sinking to the ground at lower elevations.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2.5
Storm Slabs
New snow and moderate/strong SW winds have created storm slabs in lee Treeline and Alpine features.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2