Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Glacier.
Use caution entering wind affected terrain as wind slabs may be reactive to your presence.
Excellent snow quality found throughout the Park.
Weather Forecast
Get your Vitamin D fix on Monday, after that we're back into another storm cycle and won't see the sun for a few days :)
Monday will see a mix of sun and cloud with isolated flurries, an Alpine high of -4, freezing level to 1200m and 30-50km/hr SW winds. The next storm arrives on Monday evening and is forecasted to bring another 50+cm by Thursday.
Snowpack Summary
60cm of recent low density snow with 25-50km/hr SW winds is forming new wind slabs. The warming temps will promote settlement of the low density snow. The Dec 1 crust (now buried up to 2m deep) remains dormant, despite having faceted snow above and below it. The mid-lower snowpack is settled and strong.
Avalanche Summary
Several Sz 2.0 wind slabs observed from steep, wind loaded start zones from Mt. MacDoanld and Mt. Tupper.
A natural cycle up to sz 2.5 occurred on Saturday from all aspects, originating in steep terrain and likely being triggered by increasing winds.
Confidence
Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain on Tuesday
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Wind slab is being built in the alpine and down into tree line. 60cm of low density snow is available for transport by the 30-45km/hr SouthWest winds. Watch for shooting cracks and hollow drum sounds as you transition into wind affected terrain.
- If triggered the wind slabs may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.
- Use caution in lee areas. Recent wind loading have created wind slabs.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 3