Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Glacier.
Avalanche hazard will change dramatically throughout the day! Be extra cautious this afternoon!
Weather Forecast
A low-Pressure system is bearing down on Rogers pass today! We are forecasted to receive 25cm+ by the end of the ski day, accompanied by moderate-gusting strong winds from the South and rising freezing levels. Tonight we should get another 20cm, with even stronger wind, and the freezing level will rise to 1500m tomorrow.
Snowpack Summary
20-30cm of new snow fell since the 27th of Dec, burying a 5mm Surface Hoar layer. Mod to Strong S-SW winds yesterday pm redistributed the new snow on lee features in the Alpine and exposed areas of Tree Line. The mid and lower snowpack has been settling and gaining strength; however, the Dec 11th surface hoar (5-12mm) still persists down 90-130cm.
Avalanche Summary
8 avalanches were recorded in the Highway Corridor Yesterday. Two were relatively small to size 2, recorded by Forecasters and the other 6 were recorded via our Infrasound Detection Array (unknown size). No reports from the backcountry yesterday of Natural, or human triggered avalanches. Natural avalanche activity will increase this afternoon.
Confidence
Timing of incoming weather systems is uncertain
Avalanche Problems
Storm Slabs
Storm slabs will become touchy this afternoon as the storm deposits 30cm today. The new snow will be accompanied by moderate to strong wind and rising temperatures. Natural activity will peak this afternoon!
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Likely - Very Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2.5
Persistent Slabs
The surface hoar layer down a meter is well preserved in some areas and human triggering remains possible. Due to the depth of this layer the resulting avalanche would be large.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible
Expected Size: 2 - 3