Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Glacier.
Weather Forecast
We are in mid-storm conditions. 17cm of snow is forecast for today, 15cm for tonight, and 10cm for Friday. Freezing levels will rise rapidly this morning reaching 1400m. Ridge winds will be moderate from the SW with gusts to 60km/h. The atmospheric pressure is expected to rise on Saturday with a return to clear skies for the end of the weekend.
Snowpack Summary
15cm of new snow overnight was accompanied by moderate NE winds. The new snow overlies a persistent slab which in turn sits on a variety of surfaces down 40-50cm; sun crust on steep solar slopes, windslabs in the alpine and gully features, small surface hoar and facets. New snow will further destabilize this existing layer.
Avalanche Summary
Yesterday before the storm, skiers observed widespread whumpfing and cracking in the persistent slab layer in treeline areas. On steep rolling terrain, this layer has been initiated with ski cuts producing size 1 to 1.5 avalanches. With ongoing heavy precipitation, avalanche activity will increase today.
Confidence
Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain
Avalanche Problems
Storm Slabs
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Likely - Very Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 3
Loose Dry
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Very Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2