Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Glacier.
New snow and winds have created storm slabs at upper elevations.
Watch for signs of reactivity at the interface of this new snow, especially where it sits over a crust.
Still getting out? Consider posting a MIN report!
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
On Saturday, there were a few natural avalanches up to size 2.5 in the highway corridor. These were loose wet avalanches, triggered by convective showers and daytime warming.
On Friday there was a natural avalanche cycle triggered by rain & warm temps. This cycle produced avalanches up to size 3.5
There was a report on Thursday of a few skier triggered size 1's from the Herdman Couloir. MIN Report Here
Snowpack Summary
Up to 20cm of new snow fell over the weekend forming new storm slabs that sit over a series of crusts on all aspects except high north faces, where they overlie dry snow.
The Feb 3rd crust, down ~110cm, is the dominant mid-pack layer and still produces isolated planar results when tested.
Below tree line the snowpack is shrinking rapidly with many south and west facing slopes bare at low elevations
Weather Summary
An unsettled airmass will continue to deliver cloud cover and scattered flurries with a gradual warming trend through the later part of the week.
Tues: Flurries up to 8cm, alpine high -4 °C, moderate NW winds, freezing level (FZL) 1700m.
Wed: Sun/cloud & isolated flurries - trace new snow, high of 0 °C, moderate NE winds, FZL 2200m.
Thurs: Sun/cloud & isolated flurries, high 2 °C, FZL 2400m.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Closely monitor how the new snow is bonding to the crust.
Avalanche Problems
Storm Slabs
Recent storms have deposited up to 20cms of new heavy snow with moderate winds. Expect reactivity to be highest where there is an underlying crust which covers most areas other than high north facing slopes.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2.5