Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Glacier.
Natural avalanche activity will taper off as temps cool and winds abate, but human triggering of the persistent weak layer remains likely.
Stick to conservative terrain, and be aware of who is above and below you. With great skiing to be had for the first time in forever, it may feel challenging to remain disciplined on your descent.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
Avalanche control on Wednesday night produced widespread results, mostly in the size 2-3 range, with some up to size 3.5.
There were several large natural avalanches observed in the highway corridor on Wednesday, with a couple dust clouds reaching the highway.
On Tuesday a group triggered a size 3 avalanche from ridge top in the Camp West area, failing on the Feb 3rd crust. Numerous other human triggered avalanches have been reported in the region on this layer.
Snowpack Summary
Storm snow totals in the past week have reached up to 120 cm. Moderate to strong southerly winds have loaded lee features.
Below the storm snow, a layer of facetted crystals sits on the Feb 3rd crust, and will be the main failure plane of concern in the coming days. This layer is now buried deeply, and it's reactivity will vary from one slope to the next. No obvious signs of instability on the approach does not mean it is a good idea to step out to ski in avalanche terrain.
Weather Summary
Unsettled weather persists in to the weekend, with dropping temps, light winds and and convective flurries forecast.
Tonight: Clear periods. Moderate SW ridgetop winds. Alpine low -12°C.
Friday: Isolated flurries (3-5cm). Light/mod S winds Alpine High -11°C.
Saturday: Flurries 5-10cm, light SE winds, Low -11 °C, High -9°C.
Sun: Sunny periods. Light SW wind. Low -19 °C, High -12 °C.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Storm slabs in motion may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.
- Use conservative route selection. Choose simple, low-angle, well-supported terrain with no overhead hazard.
- Remote triggering is a concern, avoid terrain where triggering slopes from below is possible
Avalanche Problems
Persistent Slabs
This crust-facet combo, created by extended periods without snow earlier this month, remains primed for human triggering. Stick to low angle or densely treed slopes.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Likely
Expected Size: 2 - 3.5
Storm Slabs
40-60cm of snow Wednesday, accompanied by strong winds, has created fresh slabs. These will be deeper and more reactive in wind loaded terrain features.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Likely - Very Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2.5