Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Glacier.
Expect the sun and warm temps to trigger small, loose avalanches on Friday.
Many early season hazards are present in this below average snowpack.
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Confidence
Low
Avalanche Summary
On Thursday, we observed numerous solar triggered, loose, dry avalanches size 1. Expect this activity to continue on Friday, with clear skies and a potential inversion.
On Wednesday, we observed one natural avalanche sz 2, along the highway corridor, from the steep terrain off Mt MacDonald.
If you witness avalanches on your backcountry tour, please submit a MIN with your observations.
Snowpack Summary
Expect a surface crust forming on steep terrain facing the sun. 10-15 cm below the surface is a thin crust on steep solar aspects and spotty surface hoar.
The height of snow at treeline is approx. 80cm, which is 40cm below average. Expect many rocks/trees lurking at and just below the snow surface.
The base of the snowpack consists of weak, sugary facets and may collapse in shallow, rocky zones, producing large "whumpfs".
Weather Summary
A ridge of high pressure brings an extended period of dry conditions.
Tonight: Few clouds, Light ridge winds, Alp low -7*C, Fz level: Valley bottom
Thurs: Mix of sun/cloud, light N winds, Alp high -1*C, Fz level: 1300m
Fri: Mix of sun/cloud, light NW winds, Alp high -2*C, Fz level: 1100m
Detailed weather forecasts can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Avoid shallow snowpack areas, rock outcroppings and steep convex terrain where triggering is most likely.
- Early season avalanches at any elevation have the potential to be particularly dangerous due to obstacles that are exposed or just below the surface.
- A moist or wet snow surface, pinwheeling and natural avalanches are all indicators of a weakening snowpack.
Avalanche Problems
Persistent Slabs
A weak layer is present at the bottom at the snowpack. It is more likely to be triggered in shallow, rocky areas. Travelling in terrain with a deeper snowpack is the best way to manage this problem. Use caution when stepping out into bigger alpine features that have not been ridden this year.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2