Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Glacier.
Spring sun is having an effect on the snowpack.
Watch for loose avalanches from steep, rocky terrain when the solar radiation is strong in the afternoon.
Confidence
High
Avalanche Summary
Isolated natural avalanches observed Wednesday along the highway corridor up to size 2.0 from the steep terrain off Mt. Macdonald.
Several solar-triggered avalanches were observed Tuesday from S faces (Lone Pine, Mounds, Lens, Tupper Minor paths), from sz 1.5-2.5.
Snowpack Summary
Diurnal temperature fluctuations has produced crust on solar aspects, which break down during the warmest part of the day. Isolated wind slabs in the alpine.
40-60cm of settled snow overlies a layer of decomposing stellars (large new snow crystals), a crust on solar aspects, or a thin layer of facets.
Although generally strong, the snowpack still sits upon a deep persistent weakness of rounding facets and a decomposed crust near the ground.
Weather Summary
Prime spring-like weather continues Thursday, with an upper low arriving Friday bring snowfall.
Thurs: Sun/Cloud + flurries, Alp High -8, Light E winds, Fz lvl: 1100m
Fri: Flurries, Alp High -7, Light winds, Fz Lvl: 1000m
Sat: Flurries, Alp High -8, Light winds, Fz lvl: 800 m
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Carefully evaluate steep lines for wind slabs.
- Cornices become weak with daytime heating or solar exposure.
- Avoid sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if snow is moist or wet
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Wind slabs are lingering in isolated alpine terrain features. As you transition into the Alpine, be mindful of changing conditions and signs of instability like cracking, whumpfing, or hollow-feeling snow below your feet.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2.5