Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Glacier.
Powder Pigs were spotted rummaging around in the deep snow today, snorting and plowing their way down through the steep trees.
The storm slab will likely remain sensitive to human triggering, use caution stepping out into new terrain above tree line.
Weather Forecast
Sunday will be a mix of sun, cloud and 30-60km/hr Southerly winds. The freezing level will be up to 1500m with an alpine high of -3. More snow and wind on Monday as temperatures cool off again.
Snowpack Summary
~35cm of new snow, combined with 30-60km/hr South wind formed fresh storm slabs, especially were wind loaded. 50-80cm now buries the drought interfaces from Jan 29th - surface hoar (5-15mm) on sheltered/shady slopes, wind affect in exposed areas and a sun crust on steeper solar aspects. The Dec 1 crust/facet combo is down 1.5-2.5m.
Avalanche Summary
A report of a skier controlled size 2.0 in the Hospital Bowl area on Saturday, failing on the most recent storm interface, 20-40cm deep, 20m wide and running ~100m. No involvement.
Several other reports of size 2.0 naturals within the past 24hrs.
Avalanche control on Friday night produced results mainly in the 2-2.5 range with several up to size 3.0.
Confidence
Avalanche Problems
Storm Slabs
~35cm of snow has fallen with 30-60km/hr South winds and gradually increasing temperatures, which has promoted snow settlement and slab formation. Expect storm slabs to be reactive to human triggering, especially in wind loaded areas.
- If triggered the storm/wind slabs may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.
- The new snow will require several days to settle and stabilize.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2.5
Loose Dry
Expect loose dry avalanches in steep terrain that is sheltered from the wind. These have the potential to step down to the Jan 29 interface and gain significant mass.
- Avoid terrain traps, such as gullies, where the consequences of a small avalanche could be serious.
- Be aware of party members below you that may be exposed to your sluffs.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 1.5
Persistent Slabs
The Jan 29th interface (surface hoar 5-15mm, sun crust on steep solar) is buried up to 80cm deep and is possible to trigger on open slopes without previous activity.
- Convex features and steep unsupported slopes will be most prone to triggering.
- Avoid paths that have not avalanched recently.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1.5 - 3