Avalanche Forecast
Nov 20th, 2011–Nov 21st, 2011
Alpine
3:
Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
2:
Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1:
Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
3:
Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
3:
Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
2:
Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate
Alpine
4:
High
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be high
Treeline
3:
Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
2:
Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate
Regions: Glacier.
The Winter Permit System is now in effect. Large areas of Glacier National Park are CLOSED for avalanche control using EXPLOSIVES. Daily or annual permits are required to access winter restricted areas. Access info at Rogers Pass Discovery Centre.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Variable winds over the past few days have resulted in widespread wind slabs. Yesterday, skiers triggered a small pocket that stepped down, triggering a size 2.5 avalanche than ran well into the ski line, nearly hitting a group below.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2
Persistent Slabs
A surface hoar layer is buried up to 100 cm deep. It has become less sensitive to skier triggering but remains a concern. Snowpack tests give sudden planar results. Avalanches triggered in upper layers may step down to this persistent layer.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 3