Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Glacier.
Weather Forecast
Another intense storm is beginning. 20-30cm of snow are expected by tomorrow morning, with freezing levels rising to 1700m. Winds will increase from light to strong as the storm progresses. Heavy precip will continue on Friday, with another 30cm of snow, freezing levels at 1800m, and sustained winds. Another 15cm is expected on Saturday.
Snowpack Summary
The Jan 30 surface hoar/crust layer, which exists up to 2200m, is down 30-50cm. Snowpack tests indicate that the storm slab may bond poorly to the crust, which acts as a smooth bed surface. Windloading will increase slab properties in lee areas. Jan 15 surface hoar layer is down 70-110cm and tests indicate it is still reactive in some areas.
Avalanche Summary
Light winds and flurries didn't add enough load to trigger many avalanches yesterday. There were a few natural avalanches to size 2 observed. Small slabs triggered by skiers indicated that the slab is forming. On Tuesday skiers accidentally triggered a size 2.5 avalanche from a SE aspect at 2120m. The avalanche propagated ~200m wide and ran ~600m.
Confidence
Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain
Avalanche Problems
Storm Slabs
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Likely
Expected Size: 2 - 3
Persistent Slabs
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 3 - 4