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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Dec 15th, 2016–Dec 16th, 2016
Alpine
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be low
Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be low
Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Glacier.

Avalanches can occur, especially in extreme terrain, even though the danger rating is low. Have a look at our recent profiles to help you interpret the snowpack in Glacier National Park.

Weather Forecast

Plenty of sunshine today, with alpine highs around -14*C and 25kph winds from the East. Temperatures will be their coldest on Friday(daily high of -22!).  Thankfully this weather pattern is changing Saturday as the arctic high moves out of our region allowing Pacific weather systems to move inland bringing much needed moisture Sunday & Monday!

Snowpack Summary

5 cm of snow over the weekend has hidden widespread hard wind slabs formed during the cold Arctic outbreak. Moderate northerly winds overnight have blown the new snow forming thin surface slabs in the lee of ridges and alpine features. Recent snowpack tests indicate both of these slabs are stubborn to initiate and move slowly if propagated.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanche activity observed in the highway corridor in the last few days. A brief explosive avalanche control mission Thursday produced no results.

Confidence

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Hard wind slabs are prevalent near ridge-crests or in alpine cross-loaded features. The biggest concern with these hard slabs would be cutting a small pocket and riding it over steep, unforgiving terrain.
Use caution above cliffs where small avalanches may have severe consequences.The recent snow may now be hiding windslabs that were easily visible before the snow fell.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Unlikely

Expected Size: 1 - 2

Loose Dry

Cold temperatures have facetted the surface snow. In sheltered steep terrain this light facetted snow has potential move quickly and knock a rider off their feet. Plan your run accordingly in steep, exposed spots or above terrain traps.
On steep slopes, pull over periodically or cut into a new line to manage sluffing.Be cautious of sluffing in steep terrain.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2