Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Glacier.
Although natural avalanches have tapered off, human triggering remains a possibility especially in areas that have not seen an avalanche in the past week.
Heads up as the surface crust breaks down with rising freezing levels tomorrow!
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
A field team was able to easily trigger size 1-1.5 slow moving loose wet avalanches on a North aspect below treeline today.
Several natural avalanches (average size 2.0) from all aspects were observed in the park Thursday through Saturday (today).
On Wednesday, numerous solar triggered storm slab and loose wet avalanches up to size 3 were observed with wide propagation over the March 31 layer.
Snowpack Summary
Cold winter snow can still be found on due North aspects in the alpine. A breakable surface crust exists on all other aspects.
The 35cm of recent snow was redistributed by moderate Southerly winds earlier in the week and has formed a reactive slab.
The mid and lower snowpacks are generally strong. The Nov 17 basal weakness can still be found near the ground in many locations.
Weather Summary
A low pressure system arrives tomorrow night bringing light to moderate precipitation and gusty winds.
Tonight: Mainly clear. Alpine Low -4 °C, FZL 1500m, light S winds.
Sun: Snow 13cm (late PM arrival). Alpine High 0 °C, FZL 2000m. Light gusting strong S winds.
Mon: Flurries 4cm. Low -9 °C, High -6 °C, FZL 1300m. Light gusting moderate SW winds.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Watch for signs of instability like whumpfing, hollow sounds, shooting cracks or recent avalanches.
- Avoid terrain traps such as gullies and cliffs where the consequence of any avalanche could be serious.
- Be alert to conditions that change with elevation and sun exposure.
Avalanche Problems
Persistent Slabs
Recently formed slabs have been slow to bond to the previous surfaces of suncrust, surface hoar and/or facets. These slabs remain active, and have shown wide propagation. Be extra cautious in terrain without previous avalanche activity.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible - Likely
Expected Size: 1.5 - 3
Loose Wet
Higher freezing levels and patches of sun are forecast for the daytime tomorrow, and will increase the reactivity of surface snow. Small sluffs can gain a surprising mass as they slide on a crust.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2